Number 13 superstition

There seems to have always been many superstitions surrounding the number 13. Have you ever noticed that there is never a 13th floor in elevators or buildings? The numbers go from 12 -14. Even though most rational people can figure out that floor number 14 is actually floor number 13. It just isn’t acknowledged.

[edit] When it began

Oddly enough, the common superstitions around the number 13 began as good luck rather than bad. The Egyptians felt that this was a lucky number. Their belief was that there were 12 steps on the ladder of eternal life and knowledge. The 13th step, therefore, was the one that would lead them through death to life ever after. To the Egyptians, the number 13 meant immortality. So, you can see why they felt it was a good number.

You can blame the Romans for the number 13 becoming bad luck. Their association with it was ill omens as well as death and destruction. Therefore, this number was believed to be a very bad one to have around.

[edit] Christians and the number 13 superstition

The Christians also viewed the number 13 as very bad luck. It seems to have something to do with the Last Supper. Judas was the 13th disciple to be seated at the table, and he later betrayed Jesus. This betrayal led to the crucifixion of Jesus, and to the suicide of Judas. Many people believe even now that 13 people should not sit down to eat dinner together, as one of the guests will die within one year.

[edit] Common superstitions of 13 with the Norse

The Norse have a superstition regarding the number 13 that is similar to the Christian one. In their version, 12 deities sat down at a table to dine together. The mischief god, Loki, made a surprise appearance, wreaking havoc on the dinner. His arrival made the number of guests 13, which caused the death of one of the gods during dinner.

[edit] Witches and the number 13 superstition

Witches consider the number 13 to be a lucky number, as well as a magical one. The origins of this belief stem from the strong connection between the moon and magic. There are 13 moon cycles in a year, and each one of these is celebrated as a Holy Day known as an Esbat. It is also accepted that there are traditionally 13 members in a Witch’s Coven.

[edit] Does the number 13 frighten you?

When it comes down to it, the number 13 is just a number like any other number. What it means to you comes from whatever beliefs you hold. If you look at the number 13 superstition as something negative, then for you, it could very well bring negativity into your life. It could be you are one of the lesser groups of people who have no feeling about it whatsoever. For you, there will be no effect at all from the number 13. This can be a positive number if you subscribe to the belief of it being a magical number. So you see, it all really depends on how you feel about this number from an individual view point, as to whether it is one of the common superstitions you hold or not.