Friday the 13th

The Phenomenon of Friday the 13th in the United States

Friday the 13th is perhaps the most famous superstition in American culture, a day shrouded in mystery, folklore, and a touch of cinematic horror. While it is not a holiday in the traditional sense—you won’t find banks closed or children home from school—it occupies a significant space in the American psyche. It is a day where the rational meets the irrational, where even the most logical individuals might find themselves walking a bit more cautiously or avoiding a black cat crossing their path. In the United States, Friday the 13th is a cultural touchstone that blends ancient European myths, religious history, and modern pop culture into a unique social phenomenon.

What makes this day special is its status as "metafolklore." For the vast majority of Americans, Friday the 13th isn't necessarily a day of genuine terror, but rather a day of shared cultural storytelling. It is a time when people joke about their "bad luck," horror movie marathons dominate television schedules, and social media is flooded with memes about the day’s supposed curse. It serves as a reminder of how deeply rooted superstitions remain in a modern, high-tech society. Whether it is a hotel skipping the 13th floor or a couple deciding to push their wedding date to the 14th just to be "safe," the influence of this date is visible across the American landscape.

The day is also inextricably linked to the "Friday the 13th" film franchise, which debuted in 1980. The image of Jason Voorhees in a hockey mask has become the unofficial mascot of the day, shifting the focus from vague "bad luck" to a more specific, thrill-seeking brand of entertainment. For many Americans, especially younger generations, the day is less about fearing misfortune and more about celebrating the horror genre. It is a day for spooky aesthetics, watching scary movies with friends, and leaning into the "unlucky" atmosphere for fun.

When is Friday the 13th in 2026?

In the year 2026, the first occurrence of this superstitious date falls on Friday, March 13, 2026. As of today, there are 69 days remaining until this date arrives.

Friday the 13th is a variable date rather than a fixed one. It occurs whenever the 13th day of a month falls on a Friday. According to the Gregorian calendar, this happens at least once every year, but it can occur up to three times in a single calendar year. The mathematical quirk that dictates this depends on whether the month begins on a Sunday. If a month starts on a Sunday, the 13th will inevitably be a Friday. Interestingly, 2026 is a somewhat rare year as it features two such dates: one in March and another in November.

History and Origins: A Convergence of Fears

The superstition surrounding Friday the 13th is not the result of a single event, but rather the convergence of two separate fears: the fear of the number 13 (known as triskaidekaphobia) and the historical unlucky associations with the day Friday.

The Curse of the Number 13

The aversion to the number 13 has roots in both Norse mythology and Christian tradition. In Norse myth, a famous tale describes a banquet in Valhalla for twelve gods. Loki, the god of mischief, crashed the party as the 13th guest. His presence led to the death of Balder the Beautiful, plunging the world into darkness and mourning. This established the idea that having 13 people at a table was a harbinger of doom.

In Christianity, the number 13 is tied to the Last Supper. Jesus Christ sat down with his 12 apostles for a final meal before his crucifixion. The 13th guest to arrive—or the 13th person at the table—was Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. Furthermore, biblical tradition suggests that Cain killed Abel on the 13th, adding another layer of infamy to the number.

The Misfortune of Friday

Friday has its own history of being considered an "unlucky" day in Western culture. In Christian tradition, Jesus was crucified on a Friday (now observed as Good Friday). While this is a holy day, it was historically associated with penance and somberness. Some traditions also claim that Eve tempted Adam with the forbidden fruit on a Friday and that the Great Flood began on a Friday. For centuries in the English-speaking world, Friday was often referred to as "Hangman’s Day" because it was the standard day for public executions.

The Merger

The specific combination of Friday and the 13th as a singular "super-unlucky" day is a relatively modern development, gaining significant traction in the 19th and early 20th centuries. One popular historical theory links the date to Friday, October 13, 1307, when King Philip IV of France ordered the mass arrest of the Knights Templar. Thousands of monks were imprisoned, tortured, and eventually executed. While many historians debate whether this is the actual origin of the superstition, it has become a staple of the day’s lore, popularized by books like Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code.

In the United States, the awareness of the day grew through literary and social influences. In 1907, Thomas W. Lawson published a novel titled Friday, the Thirteenth, which told the story of a broker who attempts to crash the stock market on that date. This book helped cement the date’s reputation for chaos in the American public consciousness.

How People Observe Friday the 13th in America

In the United States, Friday the 13th is observed with a mix of genuine caution, ironic humor, and commercial opportunity. Because it is not an official holiday, there are no standardized "traditions" like gift-giving or parades, but several cultural patterns emerge whenever the date rolls around.

The Thirteen Club

One of the most fascinating American responses to the superstition was the formation of "The Thirteen Club." Founded in 1882 by Captain William Fowler, a prominent New Yorker, the club sought to debunk the myths surrounding the number 13 and Friday. The members would gather for dinner on the 13th of the month, sit 13 to a table, spill salt on purpose, and walk under ladders—all while mocking the idea of bad luck. Several U.S. Presidents, including Grover Cleveland and Theodore Roosevelt, were reportedly honorary members. While the club eventually faded, its spirit of "ironic observance" lives on today.

Pop Culture and Horror

For many Americans, Friday the 13th is "Movie Night." Cable networks often run marathons of slasher films, and movie theaters may hold special screenings of the Friday the 13th series. It has become a day where fans of the macabre celebrate their interests. It is also a popular day for tattoo parlors. Many tattoo shops across the U.S. offer "Friday the 13th Specials," where customers can get small, pre-designed tattoos (often featuring the number 13 or lucky/unlucky symbols) for a discounted price, traditionally $13 plus a $7 tip for good luck.

Avoidance and Anxiety

On the more serious side, "paraskevidekatriaphobia"—the morbid fear of Friday the 13th—affects a small but measurable portion of the population. Some people will avoid flying, signing contracts, or making major purchases on this day. In the real estate and hospitality industries, the influence of the number 13 is quite visible. Many high-rise buildings in cities like New York or Chicago do not have a labeled "13th floor," jumping straight from 12 to 14. Similarly, some hotels omit room 13, and some airlines skip row 13 on their planes.

Traditions and Customs

While there are no official customs, several "folk" traditions are often discussed on this day:

Avoiding Risks: A common "custom" is simply the postponement of risky activities. This includes not starting a new job, not getting married, and not beginning a long journey. Luck Reversal: Some people believe that if you are born on a Friday the 13th, the day is actually lucky for you. Others use the day as an excuse to buy a lottery ticket, leaning into the "so unlucky it's lucky" paradox. Black Cat Awareness: Animal shelters often see a dip in black cat adoptions around this time (and Halloween), or conversely, they may restrict adoptions of black cats to protect them from people who might use them for superstitious rituals or pranks. The "Thirteen at a Table" Rule: Even today, in some formal social circles, there is a lingering hesitation to seat exactly thirteen people at a dinner party. If thirteen are present, some hosts will add a teddy bear or a "dummy" guest to make the count fourteen.

Practical Information for Visitors and Expats

If you are visiting the United States or have recently moved here, there is no need to worry about Friday the 13th. It is perfectly safe to go about your daily business.

Transportation: Flights, trains, and buses run on their normal schedules. You might even find that airfare is slightly cheaper on Friday the 13th because of the lower demand from superstitious travelers. Business as Usual: Malls, restaurants, and grocery stores remain open during their standard hours. You will not encounter any closures related to the date. Conversations: You will likely hear people mention the date in passing. A coworker might blame a computer glitch on "Friday the 13th," or a barista might crack a joke about it. It is generally handled with a sense of humor. Safety: Statistical studies by insurance companies and traffic safety organizations have often looked into whether more accidents happen on this day. Most results show that there is no significant increase in accidents; in fact, some studies suggest there are fewer accidents because people are driving more carefully due to the superstition!

Is it a Public Holiday?

It is important to clarify that Friday the 13th is not a public holiday in the United States.

Government Offices: All federal, state, and local government offices are open. Post Offices: Mail delivery proceeds as usual. Banks: Banks follow their normal Friday operating hours. Schools: Public and private schools remain in session.

• Work: It is a standard business day for all industries.

In summary, Friday the 13th in the U.S. is a cultural "mood" rather than an official event. It is a day defined by the stories we tell and the movies we watch. For the year 2026, specifically on March 13, 2026, you can expect the usual mix of horror movie marathons and lighthearted jokes about bad luck. Whether you choose to stay inside and wait for the "curse" to pass or head to a tattoo shop for a $13 souvenir, the day is a fascinating glimpse into the enduring power of American folklore. Just remember to keep an eye out for any black cats—just in case