Living | Unlucky for some…

It may be Valentine’s Day tomorrow, but today is Friday the 13^th – a day synonymous with spooky happenings and bad luck.

Whether you believe in the power of Friday the 13^th or not, it’s always an ominous date that manages to grab our attention when it appears on the calendar.

Here are five facts about the creepy holiday. If you have any more let us know on our Facebook page or tweet us @Womans_Way.

1. It can happen multiple times a year – Friday the 13^th isn’t just a once-off date. In fact, in 2015 alone, we’ll experience Friday the 13^th multiple times. First on February 13^th, then again in March and finally again in October. Better bust out those good luck charms!

2. The date itself isn’t unlucky – Despite the superstition surrounding it, there’s no solid data inexistence that can prove an increase in accidents and bad luck on Friday the 13^th.

3. It’s a phobia – Paraskevidekatriaphobia is the term used to describe having a phobia of Friday the 13^th. Some people also suffer from a phobia of the number 13 – this is called triskaidekaphobia.

4. The superstition originates from Christianity – According to belief, Jesus was crucified on a Friday and ever since, Friday has been a day associated with bad luck and bad omens. Thirteen guests are also believed to have attended the last supper before Jesus died. Hence thirteen and Friday are associated with negative connotations.

5.  Although the exact origins are a mystery – Despite the religious connections, it’s still unclear when Friday and the number thirteen became officially linked. According to research there are no mentions of Friday the 13^th before the 19^th century.