Many people have some type of superstition: don't open an umbrella indoors, don't step on a crack in the sidewalk, don't break a mirror or spill salt. Superstition has been a part of human nature since the beginning of time. So is it possible for a specific date to be cursed? Many people seem to think so. In Western societies, Friday the 13th has been considered cursed for centuries. This notorious date occurs at least once every year, and sometimes up to three times. While both Friday and the number 13 have long been considered unlucky in various cultures, their combination as a specifically unlucky day only gained widespread recognition in the early 20th century. Friday the 13th has become deeply ingrained in our cultural consciousness. It's inspired countless stories, films, and urban legends. From Tupac's death, to German forces bombing Buckingham Palace during WWII, this date seems to be filled with tragedy. So is it all coincidence? Or because of a curse? Bad luck? Today we will discuss the day that has captured imagination and superstitions around the world. This is the history, lore, and some encounter stories from Friday the 13th.

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SOURCES:

1) https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/myth-busted-friday-13th#:~:text=Origin%20story,unfortunate%20things%20happened%20on%20Fridays.

2) https://www.cnn.com/style/article/why-friday-13-unlucky-explained/index.html

3) Wikipedia

4) https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/friday-the-13th

5) https://www.businessinsider.com/worst-things-friday-the-13th-2017-12#in-2029-an-asteroid-will-come-extremely-close-to-earth-19

6) https://www.britannica.com/topic/Labours-of-Hercules

7) https://www.britannica.com/topic/cannibalism-human-behavior

8) https://simpleflying.com/aeroflot-october-13th-accidents/

9) https://www.johannesbeers.nl/1952-swedish-dc-3-shot-down-by-russia.html

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