the number thirteen

The number thirteen is often associated with bad luck, a superstition known as triskaidekaphobia. This fear may stem from various cultural and religious beliefs. In Norse mythology, the god of mischief, Loki, was the 13th guest at a banquet, leading to tragedy. Similarly, in Christianity, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th person at the Last Supper. The number 13 also disrupts the perceived completeness of the number 12. Despite these associations, some cultures, like the Maya and Hebrews, considered 13 auspicious due to the 13 lunar months in a year. The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia.12