Generally considered an unlucky number has even put leaders in fear. It is surprising that even scientists have phobia of number 13. Why does the elevator prefer to skip on the 13^th floor? Superstitions try to avoid any digit related to this number. There are a plenty of incidents from history that prove bad luck associated with the number. These facts about number 13 will freak you out.

Theories Show Why Number 13 is Unlucky

The first theory that proved number 13 is unlucky is The Last Supper. Where 13 people were present at the meal along with Jesus Christ. The 13^th person at the meal was Judas who betrayed Jesus.

Another theory of why number 13 is considered unlucky goes back to the era when murderers were hanged in front of the public. The noose used to hang people had 13 wraps above the loop of rope. To reach the gallows platform the criminal had to gild 13 step staircase which was the perfect height to break the neck.

People who have read history know there were twelve gods at the time of Alexander the Great. Alexander wanted to become the 13^th god. For this purpose he even built a statue of him. But as soon as the statue was built Alexander died. This incident made people believe that the 13^th figure is unfortunate.   

13 Letter Name

Many popular figures in history have a total 13 letters in their names. We don’t know whether it was just a coincidence or the number 13 is unlucky. Serial killers including Theodore Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, Albert DeSalvo, Jack the Ripper and Charles Manson all have 13 letters in their names. It is frightening to know that even Adolf Hitler’s name contains 13 letters.

Triskaidekaphobia

The fear of the number 13 is called Triskaidekaphobia. You will be surprised to know that horror writer Stephen King, find number 13 unlucky. He admitted to avoiding watching channel 13. Reading page 13 in books also makes him uncomfortable.

Zeus was the 13^th god   

 Zeus was the 13^th god in Greek mythology. He was the most powerful god of his time.

Cycles of the moon

The moon completes 13 cycles each year.

Friday the 13^th

Just like the fear of number 13, people are even afraid of Friday the 13^th. This fear is called Paraskevidekatriaphobia. If you know then do notice that each year has Friday the 13^th for one, two or even three times. The years, in which there were three Friday the 13^th, are 2009 and 2012.

British Medical Journal’s Research

In 1998, an article was published named “Is Friday the 13^th is Bad for Your Health?” by British Medical Journal explained that people avoid driving vehicles on Friday the 13^th. Hospitals have more new patients’ visits on Friday the 13^th as compared to normal Fridays.

Tarot Reading

In tarot reading the number 13^th depict the card of death.

Mission Apollo 13

Apollo was a NASA mission to explore the moon. Apollo landed successfully on the moon. Its return to earth was also successful but unfortunately it crashed onboard.

Prime Number

The number 13 is a prime as well as Fibonacci number.

Atomic Number of Aluminum

The atomic number of Aluminum is 13.

San Jose’s Winchester Mystery House

The personal mansion of Sarah Winchester in San Jose, California. This architectural wonder has a generous representation of number 13 like 13 step staircase and 13 bathrooms.

Weeks in Seasons

There are 13 weeks in each season.

Prohibition in the United States

In the United States, the period of constitutional ban on the production, importation and transportation of alcoholic beverages lasted 13, from 1920 to 1933.  

Tylor Swift’s Birthday

Tylor Swift was born on December 13, 1989. In an interview with MTV news in 2009, Tylor explained that number 13 has always been lucky for her because of many reasons. She said; “Basically whenever a 13 comes up in my life, it’s a good thing”.

Lucky Number in Italy

Number 13 is appraised as a lucky number in Italy.

13 Colonies of the United States

Before declaring independence there were thirteen colonies in the United States. That’s why there are 13 stripes and 13 stars on the flag of the United States.

Are theses facts about the number 13 convinced you to consider 13 an unlucky number?