A Catastrophe or Just Another Ordinary Day?

Paraskavedekatriaphobia refers to an intense and irrational fear of Friday the 13th. Its ominous reputation is so widespread that even people who typically dismiss superstitions tend to avoid leaving home on that date. But what gives rise to the fear of the number thirteen and its connections?

As you dive into this topic, you will uncover historical facts. For instance, it is said that on Friday the 13th, Eva gave Adam an apple, Cain took Abel’s life, and the Biblical Flood began. You may choose to believe it or not; however, it’s notable that shortly afterward, Good Friday saw the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Additionally, the superstition linking thirteen people at a table originated because only twelve disciples survived after the thirteenth, at the Last Supper, did not. In essence, be cautious of this number, as the legend claims that if you don’t get rid of the thirteenth guest promptly, someone in the group will pass away within a year.

T is for Thirteen and the Templars

One of the most renowned tales regarding the ill-fated Friday the 13th is tied to the Knights Templar, who were established around 1120 by a collective of French knights. Their primary goal was to safeguard European pilgrims traveling from the Jaffa port to Jerusalem, but over time, the order grew in size, strength, and influence. After existing for a century, the Knights Templar had their own temples, priests, a formidable army, and claimed numerous castles and lands across Europe and the Middle East. In our country, notable sites include the legendary Templar cellars in Čejkovice and the remnants of the Templar castle Templštejn located above the Jihlava river. Much remains unknown about the Templars, especially the legends surrounding hidden treasures and stories about undiscovered underground passages.

By the early 13th century, the Templars were regarded as one of the most powerful Christian knightly orders of the Middle Ages. They answered only to the Pope and were a force to be reckoned with. Whether or not French King Philip IV, known as The Magnificent, felt threatened by their might or desired a share of Templar wealth remains a mystery. What we do know is that on Friday, October 13, 1307, he ordered the arrest of many Templars, culminating in their systematic execution. The Knights Templar were officially disbanded in 1312 through a papal decree, and their order was never reinstated. The dramatic conclusion came with the burning of Grand Master Jacques de Molay in 1314, who allegedly cursed the king moments prior to his death. Remarkably, Philip died that same year—confirming Friday the 13th as an ill-fated day for centuries to follow.

Thirteen once and now

You should be cautious not only on Fridays that fall on the 13th but actually about the number thirteen itself. Historically, Fridays were associated with executions, and there were said to be thirteen steps leading up to the gallows or execution area, while the executioner’s noose was tied thirteen times. In some traditions, it was believed that thirteen witches could conspire together to summon the devil.

Have we resolved these fears in modern times? Unfortunately, not; many airplane seating arrangements skip the number 13, and you won’t find a 13th gate in airports, nor is there a thirteenth floor in skyscrapers. Hotels and hospitals also avoid placing guests in room 13, and athletes often steer clear of the number, making it rare to find on sports jerseys. Some streets even lack houses numbered thirteen, and American cities typically don’t have a 13th Street or Avenue. Weddings on Friday the 13th are relatively rare (though some adventurous couples embrace the challenge), as are travels on that day. Notably, superstitious figures like American President Franklin Roosevelt and British politician Winston Churchill opted to avoid travel on this date. Conversely, some folks embrace the fateful 13th, looking forward to Friday the 13th to make a bet, even if they don’t usually play the lottery.

You know…?

• • The number thirteen can also have its own unique tastes and aromas. The one from Carlsbad is said to smell of herbs—much like thirteenth spring liqueur Becherovka.

• • The Thirteenth Chamber is a theme from the scary tale of Bluebeard, who forbade his sixth wife from entering it. When she disobeyed, she discovered the corpses of his previous five wives inside.

• • Friday the 13th is a cult horror movie from 1980 about mysterious deaths occurring at a cursed summer camp. This film series has produced numerous sequels, often humorously mocking various superstitions. It’s no surprise that these films tend to be released on Friday the 13th.

• • Municipal transport companies in the Czech Republic also hesitate to use the number thirteen for trams. In Brno, tram number thirteen was cancelled a few years back, but this was due to the line ending at twelve instead of continuing to fourteen. In Prague, thirteen is currently operating, having been introduced in 2013, and has been running daily since 2016. One notable route takes you to Olšanské cemeteries…

13 trips with the thirteen

If you’re not superstitious, you might consider taking a trip to explore things associated with the number thirteen on a Friday. However, for those who are wary, it’s wiser to plan your adventure for Saturday instead. So where could your thirteen-week excursions lead you?

• • The Stropnický waterfall in Terčina valley is a stunning 13 meters high waterfall, built in 1817 on the Stropnica River. Regardless of the season, the waterfall is a beautiful attraction.

• • The Cibulka lookout tower located in Prague Košíře is 13 meters tall and was constructed within the English park at Cibulka Castle under the guidance of Count Leopold Thun-Hohenstein.

• • The Butovská mound, located near Stříbro, dates back to the Bronze Age. The stone circle around the cairn measures exactly 13 m in diameter and has recently been restored to its original appearance.

• • The Špičák Natural Monument near Střezivojice features a sandstone rock formation that is 16 m long, 6 m wide, and reaches up to 13 m in height. It’s located near Dubá in CKHO Kokořínsko.

• • The Devil’s Pulpit in the Rychlebské hory is an unusual formation of rune rocks found above the deeply cut valley of the Račí Stream near Javorník. The Upper Devil’s Pulpit boasts a runestone formation with a vertical 13 m high south wall, reminiscent of an authentic church pulpit.

• • You can enjoy a summer hike to the Brothers’ Altars, a cherished hiking and pilgrimage site near Česká Kamenice. This charming path features the Stations of the Cross from 1887, leading you to a picturesque forest spot. It includes thirteen images housed in wooden chapels embedded into the sandstone rocks.

• • Jesus’ journey at Boží Dar consists of 13 stops. It features 16 attractions spread among thirteen shelters, where children can learn about our ancestors and their traditions, as well as meet Jesus’ friends.

• • The viewing platform of the Pohoř – Olšová lookout tower is located 13 meters above ground. On a clear day, you can see important Moravian mountains, including Praděd and Lysá hora.

• • A round metal 13 m high observation tower is also situated on Varhošt’ hill, located between Ústí nad Labem and Litoměřice.

• • If someone wishes to conquer a mountain reaching 1313 m above sea level, they need to head to the Jeseníky Mountains, starting at Mount Vozka (1377 m) and then trekking to Burnt Hill (1313 m).

• • Lastly, in the Krkonoše Mountains, you’ll find 1313 m Dvorská Bouda, a lovely place to stay, offering stunning views of the foothills of the Giant Mountains and Liščí hora.

• • A pleasant walk takes you to the quarries near Trhová Kamenice, where granite was once mined. The bodies of water nearby are 13 meters deep.

• • Additionally, the Upper Pond in the Macocha Abyss is also 13 meters deep, which can be admired from the Upper Bridge.