As the entity slowly crept forward, it emitted quiet reverberating wails, pulses of low-pitched waves of heavy wind, letting out an oily sizzle. Those unfortunate to stand directly in its path felt each sweltering sweat drop travels from their hairline to their chin. The need for water became exasperating as if it were the very oxygen that moved our lungs. The cool Autumn breeze had become a haunting inferno —and consequently, the night’s chill blue sky became cloaked with soot as if it were the reaper’s garments, setting the stage for the daunting “Friday the 13th.”

“Friday the 13th” is regarded by pop culture to be the iconic day of superstitious misfortune and horror, commonly attributed to the infamous Crystal Lake. There hasn’t been an exact origin for why “Friday the 13th” is associated with adversity. However, according to CNN, this connotation is from a combination of various superstitions on both Friday and the number 13 as symbols of bad luck. In the Bible,  Judas Iscariot, the man who’d betray Jesus, was the 13th disciple, leading to Crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday; the Bible also notes that Friday is the day that the forbidden fruit was eaten, the day when Cain murdered Abel, the day when the Temple of Solomon collapsed, and the day when the Great Flood rose.

But, as of recent times, “Friday the 13th” has slowly lost its infamous allure as well with other once popular superstitions. There are even some students in Ayala who are unaware what “Friday the 13th” means.

“I don’t exactly know what Friday the 13th is about,” said Chloe Mossembekker (12). “I thought it used to be about Black Friday.”

There are even more students who don’t have much to say about “Friday the 13th.” It slowly became an ancient fad that nobody believes in.

”It’s an interesting concept, but I don’t think it’s particularly special in any way,” said James Lam (12). “I think they are just remnants of outdated culture in the past.”

Students have recognized that neither slashers nor any other horrific fiends suddenly appear and chase you on a supposedly iconic day of superstitious misfortune and horror —not even a little misfortune.

“It’s bull completely,” said Dania Nasreldeen (12). ”My birthday is March 13. I’ve lived through two Friday the 13th birthdays. Nothing happened.”

And while many students didn’t have much of an opinion on Friday 13 for its lack of luster, Collin Moreno-Crastejo (12) doesn’t believe in the myth of “Friday the 13th” and other superstitions due to religion.

“I try to stay away from it just because it goes against my religion as a Catholic,” said Moreno-Crastejo, “I choose not to believe in the superstitions, so it’s a regular day for me.”

The phrase “it’s a regular day for me,” was a frequent comment that students had. While “Friday the 13th” has lost public interest, other superstitions thrive in some form. Knocking on wood, which is believed to awaken protective spirits and chase away evil ones, was occasionally mentioned throughout students —though they generally knock on wood as a habit that grew up on them.

Though many agree that superstitions can be dumb, some students also believe that some have genuine practicality for being superstitions.

“I think a lot of it is based on truth, such as walking under a ladder,” said Lam. “You’re likely to knock it over.”

“Breaking a mirror…I just prefer not to,” said Nasreldeen.

Though these superstitions are untrue, some may be told to ward off dangerous behavior. Superstitions may be equivalent to fibs that a parent warning their child may tell to discourage naughtiness like lying will make their ears glow red, urinating in the pool will make the water turn blue, or being on the “Naughty List.“

But retrospectively, while it may discourage bad behaviors, superstitions may encourage good ones such as wishing upon an evening star, wishbone or wishing well to teach the concept of hope to children.

“I feel like it’s more of a cultural thing,” said Nasreldeen, “It is not going to have any effect. You wish just to have a wish before you blow candles, right?”

Hastings, Christobel.”Why is Friday the 13th unlucky? The Cultural Origins of an enduring superstition.” CNN.com. 13 October 2023. https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/style/article/why-friday-13-unlucky-explained. accessed 11th September 2024