The fear or avoidance of the number 13 is referred to as ‘triskaidekaphobia’. There isn’t a single, widely recognized explanation for the origins of this superstition. Instead, historians attribute it to a mix of religious practices, mythology, folklore, and cultural beliefs that have evolved over the centuries.
One of the most frequently mentioned connections arises from Christian tradition. The New Testament states that 13 individuals were present at the Last Supper: Jesus Christ along with his 12 apostles. Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus contributed to the link between the number 13 and misfortune.
Another tradition commonly connected to the superstition originates from Norse mythology. A medieval story recounts a feast attended by 12 gods that was disrupted when Loki, the trickster god, showed up as the uninvited 13th guest. The ensuing chaos resulted in the death of Baldr, one of the most celebrated gods in Norse lore. It’s one of several tales tied to the number’s unlucky reputation.
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Over time, this superstition has permeated popular culture. The belief surrounding Friday the 13th became particularly prevalent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, gaining traction after the release of Thomas W. Lawson’s 1907 novel ‘Friday, the Thirteenth’. Movies, television, and popular culture further entrenched Friday the 13th as one of the most recognized superstitions globally.
A widely circulated notion connects this belief to the arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307, although historians have found no evidence that this incident led to the modern superstition.
For hotels and property developers, the choice to exclude the number 13 is typically practical rather than a reflection of personal belief. There are no laws or building codes mandating buildings to omit the 13th floor. Instead, many developers refrain from labeling a floor as 13 because some guests, residents, and buyers prefer to avoid it. Since changing the numbering has minimal impact on construction or design, renaming the 13th floor as the 14th or, in some cases, 12A, is often seen as an easy way to cater to customer preferences. This practice is most prevalent in North America, but it is also found in various buildings in Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia.
Perceptions of unlucky numbers also differ across cultures. In China, Japan, and South Korea, the number 4 is often avoided due to its pronunciation being similar to the word for “death” in Chinese, as well as in Sino-Japanese and Sino-Korean readings. Consequently, some buildings skip the fourth floor or use alternative numbering. In Italy, the number 17 has traditionally been seen as unlucky in numerous contexts, exemplifying how notions of lucky and unlucky numbers vary between societies.
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