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Superstition, tattoos and origins, explained

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1 week ago

December 14, 2024

Superstition, tattoos and origins, explained

As we speak is Friday the thirteenth, an incidence that occurs solely a few occasions a yr.

That is the second Friday the thirteenth of 2024, simply two months after the final one in September. It additionally occurs to be Taylor Swift’s birthday, and somebody might be further fortunate on the day with an upcoming Mega Thousands and thousands drawing. There’ll solely be one Friday the thirteenth in 2025, in June.

The day has come to be related to superstition, luck and magic, although it has some shocking origins. Trepidation round Friday the thirteenth could have been amplified by the slasher-movie collection, nevertheless it possible has non secular origins.

Whether or not you are fastidiously stepping over sidewalk cracks on Friday or leaning into the custom of discounted tattoos on the spooky day, here’s what to learn about Friday the thirteenth.

See the map:The most well-liked superstitions by state

Origins of Friday and the quantity 13

The precise origins of Friday the thirteenth could also be considerably of a thriller of its personal, however many agree it has roots in Christian tales.

Some tie the quantity to Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus Christ and is regarded as the thirteenth visitor to reach on the Final Supper, in line with Historical past.com.

Avoiding a connection between two in any other case unrelated occasions is a part of people’ tendency to have interaction in “magical considering,” in line with Dr. Phil Stevens, a retired anthropology professor from the College at Buffalo and the creator of the e-book “Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft: Inherently Human.”

Different examples of this embrace luck allure or gadgets changing into extra worthwhile after they had been owned by celebrities.

“So 13 is related to that horrible occasion. And Friday, the thirteenth you get a double whammy. You get each of those components coming collectively: the taboo in opposition to 13, and the crucifixion, which was on a Friday,” Stevens mentioned in an interview with USA TODAY final yr.

Friday the thirteenth superstitions

Listed below are some widespread superstitions related to dangerous luck on Friday the thirteenth:

Breaking a mirror: Breaking a mirror is claimed to deliver seven years of dangerous luck, so deal with glass fastidiously at the moment.
Strolling below a ladder: This superstition stems from the concept that strolling below a ladder disrupts the triangle, a logo of life, and invitations misfortune.
Spilling salt: Unintentionally spilling salt has been seen as dangerous luck for hundreds of years. To counteract, throw a pinch over your left shoulder to thrust back evil.
Crossing paths with a black cat: Black cats, typically related to witches and dangerous omens, are thought of unfortunate, particularly after they cross your path on Friday the thirteenth.
Stepping on Cracks: The rhyme “step on a crack, break your mom’s again” comes from the concept that stepping on cracks invitations dangerous vitality or hurt.

To reverse your fortunes, some actions related to bringing good luck embrace:

Carrying a fortunate allure: Objects like four-leaf clovers, horseshoes, or rabbit’s ft are believed to deliver good luck and safety from dangerous vibes.
Knocking on wooden: This age-old superstition is believed to stop dangerous luck or jinxes. In case you say one thing hopeful, knock on wooden to “seal the deal” and preserve success in your facet.

Why tattoos are additionally related to Friday the thirteenth

Whereas the superstitious could also be avoiding taking any dangers on Friday the thirteenth, these trying to get tattoos might be in for deal.

On Friday the thirteenth, many outlets run particular promotions charging steeply discounted costs to get work accomplished, typically for a flat fee at and even below store minimal (the minimal payment a store will normally cost on a tattoo to cowl the price of the essential provides and overhead).

The common hourly value most artists cost is between $100 to $200 plus, making these flash gross sales a terrific deal. Whereas inexpensive predesigned flash tattoos and flash gross sales are usually not unusual practices all through the remainder of the calendar yr, Friday the thirteenth is the someday you’ll be able to rely on discovering a wealth of markdowns at a number of outlets close to you.

The trendy view of Friday the thirteenth as a tattoo vacation is commonly credited again to co-owner of Elm Avenue Tattoo in Dallas Oliver Peck, who chances are you’ll acknowledge from TV present “Ink Grasp” and his temporary marriage to Kat Von D (he later left the present after a blackface controversy).

In reference to Friday the thirteenth tattoo promotions, Peck beforehand informed Vice that he “undoubtedly wasn’t the primary particular person to do it,” saying he drew some inspiration from fellow artist Dave Lum’s Halloween specials, however that he did “make it an occasion.” He threw his first main Friday the thirteenth perform in 1995 on the now-defunct Pair O’ Cube in Dallas, a marathon session of tattooing the quantity “13” on as many individuals as potential in a 24-hour interval.