Today marks one of the most intriguing days on the calendar—Friday the 13th. While some people dread this date and others embrace it, there’s no denying that Friday the 13th holds a special place in our collective consciousness. Whether you’re a believer in its supposed unlucky nature or simply fascinated by the cultural phenomenon, let’s explore the superstitions, upcoming dates, and some famous faces who call this mysterious day their birthday.

The Superstitions Behind Friday the 13th

Why Friday the 13th?

The fear of Friday the 13th, known as paraskevidekatriaphobia (try saying that three times fast!), stems from a combination of two separate superstitions that merged over time.

The Number 13 The number 13 has been considered unlucky in Western culture for centuries. Many believe this stems from Christian tradition, where 13 people were present at the Last Supper—Jesus and his 12 disciples. According to tradition, the 13th person at the table was Judas, who would later betray Jesus. Additionally, some Norse mythology suggests that having 13 people at a gathering brings misfortune, based on a story where the trickster god Loki was the 13th guest at a dinner party, leading to chaos and death.

Friday’s Dark Reputation Friday has its own history of being considered an unlucky day. In Christian tradition, Friday is associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Some also point to the medieval belief that Friday was an unlucky day to begin any new venture, travel, or even get married.

When They Combine When these two superstitions merged, Friday the 13th became a day of heightened anxiety for the superstitious. The modern popularization of this fear was significantly boosted by the 1980 horror film “Friday the 13th,” which introduced the world to the iconic character Jason Voorhees and cemented the date’s association with bad luck in popular culture.

Common Friday the 13th Superstitions:

• Avoid traveling or starting new projects
• Don’t walk under ladders (though this applies to any day for the superstitious)
• Be extra cautious when breaking mirrors or encountering black cats
• Some people refuse to get married, move houses, or make major purchases
• Many buildings skip the 13th floor, jumping from 12 to 14
• Some airlines don’t have a 13th row

When Will Friday the 13th Occur in the Next 5 Years?

Interestingly, Friday the 13th occurs with surprising regularity. Every year has at least one Friday the 13th, but never more than three. Here are all the Friday the 13th dates from now through 2029:

2025:

• June 13 (today!)

2026:

• February 13
• March 13
• November 13 (2026 will be particularly notable as it’s one of the rarer years with three Friday the 13ths)

2027:

• August 13

2028:

• October 13

2029:

• April 13
• July 13

Fun Facts About Friday the 13th Frequency:

• On average, Friday the 13th occurs about every 212 days
• The longest gap between Friday the 13ths is 14 months
• The shortest gap is just one month (like February to March in 2026)
• Years with three Friday the 13ths are relatively rare—after 2026, the next won’t occur until 2037

Famous People Born on Friday the 13th (June 13th)

Speaking of today’s date, June 13th has given us some remarkable celebrities who clearly weren’t hindered by any supposed bad luck! Here are some notable figures celebrating their birthday today:

Chris Evans (Born June 13, 1981) The charismatic actor who brought Captain America to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe proves that being born on Friday the 13th can lead to superhero status. Evans has become one of Hollywood’s most beloved leading men, with his portrayal of Steve Rogers earning him worldwide recognition and a place among the highest-paid actors in the industry.

Tim Allen (Born June 13, 1953) The “Tool Time” star and voice of Buzz Lightyear has been making audiences laugh for decades. From “Home Improvement” to the “Toy Story” franchise, Allen’s comedic timing and everyman appeal have made him a household name. His journey from stand-up comedy to television and film stardom shows that Friday the 13th babies can certainly find their way to success.

The Olsen Twins: Mary-Kate and Ashley (Born June 13, 1986) These twin sisters became household names before they could even walk, sharing the role of Michelle Tanner on “Full House.” They went on to build a multimedia empire through their production company Dualstar Entertainment Group and later transitioned into high-end fashion with luxury brands like The Row. Their business acumen proves that Friday the 13th can be quite lucky indeed.

Kat Dennings (Born June 13, 1986) Known for her wit and charm in “2 Broke Girls” and her role as Darcy Lewis in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Dennings has carved out a successful niche in both television and film. Her quick wit and distinctive voice have made her a fan favorite across multiple genres.

Other Notable June 13th Birthdays:

• Rivers Cuomo (Weezer frontman)
• Steve-O (Jackass star and stunt performer)
• Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick-Ass, Avengers: Age of Ultron)
• Luke James (R&B singer and actor)
• Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange, Star Trek Generations)
• Stellan Skarsgård (Pirates of the Caribbean, Thor series)

The Flip Side: Friday the 13th as a Lucky Day

Not everyone views Friday the 13th as unlucky. In some cultures and belief systems, the number 13 is actually considered fortunate. Some people deliberately schedule important events on Friday the 13th, believing it will bring them extra luck. The contrast between fear and embrace of this date shows how superstitions can vary dramatically between individuals and cultures.

Modern Day Friday the 13th

Today, Friday the 13th has become more of a cultural curiosity than a source of genuine fear for most people. It’s a day that brings out both the superstitious and the skeptical, often serving as a conversation starter and a reason to reflect on the power of belief in our daily lives.

Whether you’re hiding under the covers or going about your day as usual, one thing is certain: Friday the 13th continues to fascinate us. And with celebrities like Chris Evans and Tim Allen proving that great things can happen to those born on this supposedly unlucky day, maybe it’s time to reconsider whether Friday the 13th deserves its spooky reputation.

So the next time Friday the 13th rolls around—and you now know exactly when that will be over the next five years—you can decide for yourself whether to approach it with caution or celebrate it as just another day filled with possibilities.

Happy Friday the 13th, and happy birthday to all the June 13th babies out there! You’re in excellent company.