What's the origin of the number 13 being bad luck?
The origin of the number 13 being considered bad luck is a fascinating amalgamation of historical, cultural, and religious beliefs that have intertwined over centuries to create a superstition that persists to this day.
This fear of the number 13, known as triskaidekaphobia, can trace its roots back to ancient civilizations. For example, in Norse mythology, there was a banquet in Valhalla attended by twelve gods. The uninvited thirteenth guest, the mischievous god Loki, tricked Höðr into killing his brother Baldr with a mistletoe-tipped arrow.
This event was seen as a disaster and led to the number 13 being considered unlucky. Similarly, in Christianity, the Last Supper is said to have been attended by Jesus and his 12 disciples, with Judas Iscariot, the traitor, being the thirteenth to sit at the table. This association with betrayal and death has further cemented the number 13's unlucky status in Western culture.
Throughout history, this superstition has manifested in various cultural practices and norms. For instance, many buildings and hotels in the United States and around the world skip the thirteenth floor, going directly from 12 to 14. This is a clear indication of how deep-seated the fear of the number 13 is, affecting even architectural decisions. Similarly, in some areas, streets are named without a "13th Street" or houses without a number 13, all in an attempt to avoid the perceived bad luck associated with the number.
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