Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13, and the distress of this number has written reference dating all the way back to the late 1800s. The number before it, 12, has been associated with completeness due to there being 12 months, 12 zodiac signs and 12 labors of Hercules. The true origin to this idea of Friday the 13th being unlucky is still unknown to this day, but there are some theories.

In the Bible, 13 people attended the Last Supper, including Jesus, and the next day he was crucified. Christians now believe that seating 13 people at a table is bad luck. Friday is also said to be the day Eve gave Adam the apple and Cain killed his brother, Abel.

Friday the 13th is not just all about religion. A novel called “Friday, the Thirteenth,” written by Thomas William Lawson, told the story of New York City stockbroker who uses superstitions about the date to create chaos on Wall Street. There are also multiple horror movies called “Friday the 13th” with a famous killer named Jason who wears a hockey mask and kills with a machete. These movies, which produced comic books, video games and action figures, were possibly the biggest reason why people think Friday the 13th has such a negative feeling around it.

In the end, Friday the 13th is just a date, same as always every year and nothing really ever bad happens. It’s just a superstition brought on by fear and imagination. But just in case, board up.