Like most people you probably think that today, Friday the Thirteenth, is an unlucky day. And for the same reason, the number 13 is considered unlucky. It’s viewed the same as walking under a ladder. ( You shouldn’t walk under a ladder because something may fall of and bonk you in the head.) But what is the origin of the belief that Friday the thirteenth is unlucky?
Well, luckily for you the head writer from “Art’s House of Useless Facts” is here to help.
First let’s start talking about the opposite of 13, the lucky number 7. My son was on his honeymoon a few years ago in Rome. They took a tour and the tour guide started his speech, and began talking about why Rome was considered lucky, and along with it, why the number 7 was considered lucky. It seems that there are 7 hills in Rome, and during it’s heyday, Rome had 7 kings, and that is why the number 7 is considered lucky. Then the guide asked the group if anyone knew why 13 was considered unlucky . My son then said …
“As a matter of fact, I do!”
Friday the 13th was only an unlucky day if you lived in the year 1307 and were a Knight Templar. The king of France at the time was broke. The treasury was virtually empty. And he had a brilliant idea as to how to replenish his treasury. It seems the Knights Templar had lots of money. So he decided to denounce the Knights Templar as heretics. He arrested as many as he could, and subjected them to the Inquisition. And he tried to seize their treasuries.
He was not very successful. Some of the Knights Templar managed to escape with their treasury mostly intact. And many items they were reported to have in their possession have never been seen since, the most prominent is the Ark of the Covenant.
After my son told the group this story, the guide said he had been telling the story of lucky Rome for over 40 years, and my son was the first to know the story behind unlucky 13.
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So, today is Friday the 13th. If you are a Knight Templar, beware. If not, have a great day.