Utilizing Superstition in Scheduling: The Unconscious Incorporation of Friday the 13th
Friday the 13th: An Unlucky Day, Unveiled
Got that gnawing feeling on Friday the 13th? Most folks do. It's not just about jinxed vibes – some folks avoid planning meetups on these days, especially when it comes to air travel[1]. And guess what? It's not because the odds of misfortune skyrocket on this supposedly haunted day. Insurance statistics don't support that claim.
But why does Friday the 13th cast such a dark shadow across our minds? Let's dive into the deeper, intriguing roots.
The Origins of Fear
A lengthy tale, yet one with simplicity at its core – the fear of the number 13 has Christian and pagan roots. In the Western world, the uneasiness surrounds the Last Supper, where 13 individuals gathered, including Judas, who betrayed Jesus[2]. Fast forward, and the number enshrouded itself in bad luck. On top of that, Friday has long been seen as a day of misfortune, with the crucifixion of Jesus being a grim example[2][4].
As time blurred, the infamous Wednesday melded with the notorious Friday, with the latter securing the ultimate unlucky title[4]. The term "Execution Day" in many European countries echoed this superstition, adding more fuel to the panic[4].
According to psychologist and author Stuart Vyse, individuals who believe in this superstition seek to lessen their uncertainty and gain some control[2]. If bad luck strikes, they've foreseen it. To put it simply, if you have an accident on a Wednesday, it's just poor luck. But, if it happens on Friday the 13th, well, then the day is to blame.
"Superstition is a paradox on scientific understanding," says Vyse. "It's all about gaining good luck, avoiding bad luck, or causing good or preventing bad." He divides superstition into two types – learned and culturally influenced, with instances like fearing black cats, walking under ladders, and the number 13 falling under the latter category[2].
On a Lucky High:
While some superstitions are embedded in tradition, others are deeply personal and primarily learned through trial and error[2]. Take the lucky tie or the pen that football coaches never part with – they offer a feeling of security in situations where we feel helpless, yet the outcome is crucial.
Take this example from Vyse: If you wear a new tie and deliver a stellar presentation, you might sport that tie for future presentations because you believe it imbues a special power[2].
"There's no magic that makes a tie practically useful," says Vyse, "but its psychological value may make you feel more confident when you wear it."
And there we have it – the number 13 can stir this very same sensation in the heart of Taylor Swift[4]. "I was born on the 13th and turned 13 on a Friday the 13th," she explained in an interview, citing examples where the number has symbolized success[4]. As a result, she once scrawled a 13 on her hand before performances[4].
So, heave a sigh of relief. On this unlucky Friday, we're still safe and sound. Yay!
[1] - American Psychological Association[2] - Psychology Today[3] - Skepdic[4] - Taylor Swift's superstitions
- Despite its associations with bad luck, some individuals find solace in personal superstitions, such as Taylor Swift's belief in the number 13, which she considers a symbol of success.
- The fear of the number 13 and the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th can be traced back to religious and pagan origins, with the Last Supper being a significant event that involved 13 individuals, including Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus.
- In the realm of business and entertainment, one might find a more pragmatic approach to luck and superstition, where annotations like a lucky pen or tie can boost confidence, even though they hold no inherent power to influence outcomes.
