Friday the 13th has been thought to be an unlucky day in the Western world of centuries. In 2017, this unfortunate day pops up twice – once in January and once in October. There will be two of these ill-fated days twice per year until 2020, with 2021 and 2022 only have one Friday the 13th.
Considering the fact roughly 17 to 21 million people in the United States alone are afraid of this “evil” day, it may be something to look into.
Origins of Friday the 13th
The superstitious view of this day is believed to have started back in the Middle Ages, with origins pointing to Christianity and the biblical story of the Last Supper. In northern Europe, however, the Vikings had similar stories, providing more reasons for the number thirteen to be considered unlucky.
There are theories of the number thirteen being intentionally denigrated by the leaders of patriarchal religions and societies that wanted to completely eradicated the influence of the Pagans and their Mother Goddess. In these matriarchal cultures, the number thirteen was actually considered sacred and was revered. Because it represented the number of lunar and menstrual cycles that take place each year, it was connected to the Goddess. The patriarchal leaders couldn’t have that happening, so it gradually became more suspect. In fact, this is the theory maintained by those who believe this is why the 12-month solar calendar became commonplace over the 13-month lunar calendar.
However, not all ancient cultures believed the number or date to be unlucky.
As with the notion of Friday being unlucky, “13” being popularly considered unlucky really seemed to gain steam around the 17th-18th centuries, and by the 19th century in the Western world was likewise extremely widespread in several different cultures.
There have been cases of both Friday and the number 13 being considered “bad luck” around the 17th-18th centuries, but there is no documented cases of the two items being considered extra unlucky when combined before the 19th century in the Western world and then became extremely widespread throughout several different cultures.
Once the 20th century rolled around, there were numerous cases of people referring to that date as “Friday the 13th”, just like in the 1907 novel by Thomas W. Lawson, called Friday the Thirteenth, which focused on a malicious stockbroker trying to destroy the stock market on Friday the 13th.
But, aside from the incredibly popular, Friday the 13th movie franchise, why do people think the date is so unlucky?
Many Psychologists point out the fact people create permanent associations between dates and events in their minds. Because so many negative things have happened on that specific date, people forget about all the times when Friday the 13th passed without any issues.
It all comes down to confirmation bias.
It’s also fun to be part of a pop culture norm – which is why there are so many Friday the 13th drinking games and parties.
But, we’ve got one better for you: Friday the 13th Smoke Sesh
Read on for the rules, but remember to smoke responsibly. It’s also a good idea to stay away from lakes and make sure someone is standing watch for Jason or Mrs. Voorhees.
Friday the 13th Drinking Game: World of Weed Version
You will need:
- Something to smoke. We recommend something potent and heady, like SubZero by Army of Dankness.
Hanging out with friends? Try one of the more energizing marijuana strains! - Something to smoke with
- Two movies (Friday the 13th and Scream)
- Snacks for when those munchies hit
Take a hit every time. . .
- Someone dies
- You hear the ki ki ki ma ma ma sound
- The killer jumps out unexpectedly
- Someone takes their clothes off
- A dead body is found
- Someone says “Jason”
- Someone smokes (anything)
- Someone drinks alcohol
- Someone mentions a curse
Original Rules provided by Camp Blood
Friday the 13th Smoke Sesh Game: Part II
Put on Scream.
Take a hit every time. . .
- The phone rings
- Someone is killed
- Someone screams
- Ghostface gets hit
- Ghostface wipes his knife
- Sidney’s mother (Maureen Prescott) is mentioned
- For each beer Tatum throws at Ghostface
- Someone hits Stu
- Stu cries
- Something is thrown at Randy
- Dewey says or does something dumb
- Dewey gets insulted
- Gale insults Kenny
- Someone insults and / or attacks Gale
- There’s a pop culture reference
Take two hits every time. . .
- Someone is stabbed
- Billy pauses for thought, doing his Johnny Depp impression
- Kenny (cameraman) is eating
- The “rules” are broken
- There is a “fake scare”, such as Billy in the window
- A character mentions a horror movie
- Sidney is on her computer
- Stu backs out of a room
Take three hits every time. . .
- Ghostface is in town, but nobody notices him
- You notice the extra in the video store who gets angry at Randy
- The phone rings, but it’s not Ghostface
- A reporter, aside from Gale, gets a real line
- The telephone is used as a weapon
- For each suspect red herring (Principal with the mask, etc.)
- You notice Wes Craven’s cameo
- You notice Linda Blair’s cameo
- When “Red Light Hand” is played
- Cotton Weary (Liev Schrieber) shows up
Disclaimer: Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. There may be health risks associated with consumption of Marijuana. Marijuana, in any form, should not be used by individuals that are pregnant or breastfeeding. Marijuana is intended for use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. This product may be unlawful outside of Washington State.
