Today is Friday the 13th, and in the same way that many people avoid walking under a ladder, breaking a mirror or even crossing paths with a black cat, those who consider themselves to be superstitious (or even just a little 'stitious') may be holding their breath.
Here's what to know.
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What is the origin of Friday the 13th?
Why are we so wary on Friday the 13 th ? According to History.com , there is a long history of the number being considered bad luck.
It’s unknown when the superstitions began around the number 13, but they have existed for centuries.
The number 12 has been considered by Western cultures to be a perfect number, so 13 can be unsettling. There also may be some ties to Christianity and Norse mythology because at both the Last Supper and a dinner party in Valhalla, the 13th guest betrays the host.
Has anything bad happened on Friday the 13 th before?
Historically, there have been a few instances of bad things happening on Friday the 13 th . From natural disasters to murder.
- Friday, Oct. 13, 1307 : King Philip IV of France arrested hundreds of Knights Templar and later had them executed
- Friday, Sept. 13, 1940 : Germans bombed Buckingham Palace
- Friday, March 13, 1964 : Kitty Genovese was murdered in Queens, New York
- Friday, Oct. 13, 1972 : A Chilean Air Force Plane disappeared in the Andes
- Friday, Sept. 13, 1996 : Tupac Shakur was shot and killed in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Friday, Jan. 13, 2012 : The Costa Concordia cruise ship crashed off the coast of Italy
Fear of the number 13 has a phobia
Some people are so scared of the number 13 that it has its own phobia. Triskaidekaphobia (sounds like tris·kai·dek·a·pho·bi·a) is the fear of the number 13; and the fear of Friday the 13 th also has a phobia, paraskevidekatriaphobia (sounds like para·skevi·deka·tria·pho·bia).
Friday the 13 th flash sales at tattoo shops
Many tattoo shops like to participate in the Friday the 13th fun by hosting flash sales, where you can choose from specific sheets of tattoos for the day at a discounted price (usually the number plays into the theme as well).
The article below has a list of local tattoo shops in Indy offering flash deals.
Tattoo deals: Looking to get some ink? Here are 9 tattoo shops in Indy with deals for Friday the 13th.
13 is Taylor Swift's lucky number
If you’re a Swiftie, you might not so be so scared of the number 13. While many think seeing the number 13 is a sign of bad luck, Taylor Swift has claimed the number to be her lucky number for years.
Her birthday even falls on the December 13, and while she wasn't born on a Friday, her 13th birthday was on Friday the 13th, as well as her birthday this year.
The singer will bring her Eras Tour to Indianapolis Nov. 1-3.
Eras Tour: Here's 13 things to know about Taylor Swift on Friday the 13th
The most searched superstition in Indiana
In Indiana, the most searched superstition is actually a good luck superstition: a lucky rabbit's foot, USA TODAY reported . A rabbit's foot is believed to be an amulet that brings good luck.
The most searched superstition nationally was throwing salt over your shoulder, which is believed to ward off bad luck.
Friday the 13th: Here's why the day is so unlucky.
Krispy Kreme is offering a Friday the 13th deal
If you're looking for something to sweeten up this Friday the 13th, Krispy Kreme is offering a dozen Original Glazed donuts for 13 cents with the purchase of any dozen or 16-count Minis at regular price, USA TODAY reported .
The offer is only available today. To redeem online, use the promo code "13."
Friday the 13th freebies: Feel lucky with deals from Krispy Kreme, Wendy's
USA TODAY reporters Janet Loehrke, Gabe Hauari and Kinsey Crowley contributed.
Katie Wiseman is a trending news reporter at IndyStar. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @itskatiewiseman .
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Today is Friday the 13th. Why do people consider it to be an unlucky day? About its origins
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