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Memes and facts about Friday the 13th – the best ways to mark the ‘unluckiest date of the year’

FRIDAY the 13th is considered by many to be one of the most notorious and unlucky dates of the year - with superstitions dating back to the 12th century.

Researchers found one in five dread the arrival of the "scariest day of the year" and millions refuse to even leave their homes.

 Some people still just look on the bright side when Friday 13 comes around
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Some people still just look on the bright side when Friday 13 comes around

Why do we fear Friday 13?

Many say it can all be blamed on triskaidekaphobia - the genuine fear of the number 13.

In the past the number was considered so unlucky people wouldn't even say it out loud.

Paraskevidekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia is the fear of Friday the 13th itself.

The fear is linked to the fact there were supposedly 13 at Jesus' Last Supper.

There are still over a million "genuine" cases in the US of people being petrified of this day.

13 memes to help take the fear out of Friday the 13th

 People have been known to have 'kittens' when Friday 13th comes around
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People have been known to have 'kittens' when Friday 13th comes around
 Black cats have long been considered bad luck as they were once linked to witchcraft
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Black cats have long been considered bad luck as they were once linked to witchcraft
 In many Asian countries, owning a black cat is considered lucky
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In many Asian countries, owning a black cat is considered lucky
 Russians view black cats as signs of good luck and prosperity
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Russians view black cats as signs of good luck and prosperity
 Friday The 13th is an American horror franchise that comprises twelve slasher films
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Friday The 13th is an American horror franchise that comprises twelve slasher films
 More than 300 teens have so far been killed by Jason in the Friday The 13th movies
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More than 300 teens have so far been killed by Jason in the Friday The 13th movies
 The masked mass murderer has become synonymous with the dodgy date
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The masked mass murderer has become synonymous with the dodgy date
 Jason first hit the big screen on Friday 13, 1980
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Jason first hit the big screen on Friday 13, 1980
 In medieval times people feared they would be cursed if they even said the number 13
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In medieval times people feared they would be cursed if they even said the number 13
 One in five people say they have a genuine fear of the date
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One in five people say they have a genuine fear of the date
 Many are quick to point out it could always be a lot, lot worse
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Many are quick to point out it could always be a lot, lot worse
 Many say it can all be blamed on triskaidekaphobia - the genuine fear of the number 13
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Many say it can all be blamed on triskaidekaphobia - the genuine fear of the number 13
 Some people refuse to even leave their homes when Friday 13th comes around
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Some people refuse to even leave their homes when Friday 13th comes around
 Friday the 13th in 2020 could be considered even worse luck
Friday the 13th in 2020 could be considered even worse luckCredit: Twitter
 Friday the 13th is considered to be one of the unluckiest days of the year
Friday the 13th is considered to be one of the unluckiest days of the yearCredit: Twitter
 Friday the 13th: Unlucky for some
Friday the 13th: Unlucky for someCredit: Twitter

What are the spookiest things to have happened on Friday, 13th?

There are plenty of unfortunate occurrences linked to the notorious date.
Legendary horror writer William Peter Blatty, who penned The Exorcist, passed away.

That news followed the death of the Catholic priest who inspired the iconic horror.

Rapper Tupac Shakur died on Friday, September 13, 1996 - a week after he was shot.

On Friday, January 13, 2012, the Costa Concordia capsized in Italy after it struck a reef.

Thirty-two people died in the wreck and the captain of the ship was found guilty of manslaughter.

Most horrifying of all, on Friday, October 13, 1972, a plane full of rugby players crashed into the Andes.

Only 27 passengers survived and, without supplies, they had to eat their dead teammates.

Millions of Brits are terrified of Friday the 13th, a study has found
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