June 13, 2025, marks the only Friday the 13th of the year — a date that many still view as unlucky. The superstition has been immortalized in pop culture, most famously by the Friday the 13th horror film franchise. This year, brands like Krispy Kreme and Chipotle are even offering themed food deals to embrace the spooky date.
In 2024, Friday the 13th appeared twice. Looking ahead, 2026 will feature the infamous day three times — in February, March, and November.
While the exact origins of this superstition are uncertain, National Geographic Kids notes it “likely comes from the Christian religion.” Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, was reportedly the 13th guest at the Last Supper. Jesus was arrested that night and crucified the next day — a Friday. 
Dr. Phil Stevens, a retired anthropology professor and author of Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft, explains that the superstition is the result of combining two biblical taboos: the number 13 and the day Friday. “You get a double whammy,” Stevens said. “The taboo against 13, and the crucifixion, which was on a Friday.”
Although rooted in religious history, the superstition didn’t become widespread until about 1,000 years later when more people became familiar with the Bible. Today, Stevens believes the taboo is slowly losing its grip, with more people embracing the number 13.
Stevens describes the fear of Friday the 13th as a form of magical thinking — the belief that two unrelated things, like a day of the week and a number, can cause a certain outcome when combined. He argues that “taboo” is a better term than “superstition,” as it more accurately reflects the avoidance of perceived bad luck.
“People can actively work magic to make things happen, recognizing the connections between things, but if the connections could cause an unfortunate result, then people avoid those connections,” Stevens said.
So while Friday the 13th may no longer hold the same level of fear it once did, the fascination with its mysterious and ominous reputation continues to linger.
