Today is Friday 13th, a day often seen as unlucky in Western superstition. Indeed, the tradition has become so ingrained that there’s even an associated phobia. It’s called, wait for it, paraskevidekatriaphobia! 

Now, it might seem Friday 13th doesn’t come around very often, but most years actually have two and sometimes even three, depending on the calendar. 2022 was an anomaly with it occurring just once. This year sees two Friday 13ths, the first today in January and the second to come in October. Interestingly, in Italy Friday 17th is actually seen as a more unlucky day, while in Spain and Greece it’s Tuesday 13th.

Where does the superstition come from? There are a lot of references to Friday 13th in popular culture, aren’t there? Is it the same in every culture? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A Bababam Originals podcast. Written and produced by Joseph Chance.

In partnership with upday UK.

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