What’s the meaning of the Number 13?
Some consider the Number 13 an unlucky number. Others, on the contrary, firmly believe this number is beneficial and a lucky number. It’s undeniable that the number 13 causes pretty contrasting reactions.
But do you know what this number means?
Is the number 13 a lucky or unlucky number?
Is Friday 13 really a day like any other?
Is the number 13 a lucky or unlucky number?
The number thirteen is symbolically extremely strong. This can notably be explained by the mystical dimension that shrouds it. This number is the number par excellence that leaves no one indifferent.
Is the number 13 an unlucky number?
Some people are extremely wary of it. Among those who are most wary can be found people suffering from triskaidekaphobia: in other words, the fear of the number 13. Even though this phobia about the number 13 is real, we can wonder whether it is justified. Why is the number 13 sometimes considered an unlucky number? Why are some people afraid of the number 13? Why would it be an unlucky number?
The origin of this superstition can notably be found in religious beliefs, and more specifically, in Christianity. In the Bible, the number 13 has a specific meaning. And this meaning is perfectly illustrated by the symbolic aspect of the Last Supper, Jesus’ last meal with his 12 disciples. As Judas is the 13th apostle attending the supper and the one that will betray Jesus, the Bible leads to the following interpretation: the number 13 is connected to the suffering of Jesus, who was crucified the day after.
However, even in this context, the number 13 can have another meaning for Christians, one that’s much more positive. If we analyze the numerical value of J.C (Jesus-Christ) using the alphabetical order, here’s what can be noticed:
J is the 10th letter of the alphabet
C is the 3rd letter of the alphabet
By adding up the value of these two letters, the final result is: 10 + 3 = 13. Therefore, how could the initials J.C. refer to something completely negative in Christianity?
Consequently, it implies that the number 13, even from a historical point of view, cannot only be synonymous with bad luck.
Number 13 is a lucky number
The number 13 is not an unlucky number. There’s nothing to fear about this number. In several cultures, this number is considered a positive one.
In Aztec culture, the sacred divinatory calendar was set up this way: 1 year = 260 days = 20 months (called 13-day cycles) made up of 13 days.
What’s more, the Aztecs conceived of time through cycles of 52 years called Xiuhmolpilli (considered an “Aztec century”). This cycle was divided this way: 4 periods of 13 years.
Here, the number 13 takes on the form of a temporal unit symbolizing the end of a cycle and establishing some kind of balance.
In the same vein, the Celtic calendar followed the rhythm of the Moon and was made up of 13 months, each consisting of 28 days. These 13 months were the result of balance and harmony, which further strengthens the positive value of the number 13.
In esotericism, and more specifically in tarology, the 13th arcanum of the Tarot of Marseille corresponds to the Unnamed, also called Death. Unlike what its name brings to mind, this arcanum is not synonymous with bad omens. Quite the contrary, the 13th arcanum of Tarot de Marseille symbolizes, in many cases, the end of a phase leading to the beginning of another.
In tarology, this card designates a metamorphosis. It brings with it the beginning of a new era and marks the start of a transition. It must be interpreted as an initiatory death leading to a rebirth. In this regard, the 13th arcanum is very often a positive tarot card that offers the possibility of enhancing your good luck or seizing a new opportunity.
For these reasons and certainly many others, some people are fascinated by the number 13. They do everything they can to make it enter their life and take it, at all costs, into account everywhere they go. The number 13 seems to be their fetish lucky number.
Superstitions linked to the number 13
In spite of these various elements supporting the fact that the number 13 is a lucky number, some superstitions have remained well-anchored for generations, even if they are sometimes irrational. That’s what is commonly known as popular beliefs. Without being able to clearly identify their origin, those who believe in them are usually unable to explain what makes them actually believe in them.
That’s the case of the superstition according to which the Number 13 is said to bring bad luck. Thus, in some hotels, there is no room #13. In the same vein, there’s sometimes no 13th floor in buildings, and, in some streets, there’s no house number thirteen. As I said, these superstitions shrouding the number 13 in negativity cannot clearly be explained.