Friday the 13th: Scary Movies,The Last Supper and Crucifixion, The Knights Templar--who's to Blame
Posted: Sunday, February 08, 2009
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
The commercials are here--Jason returns in the latest version of Friday the 13th. A new group of unsuspecting campers will soon be on the run. This blood and guts film is sure to make it big come February 13, 2009, which happens to land on a Friday this year.
What is the big deal? Why has this day become a phobia for so many Westerners? On the other hand, is it a specific number and a specific day of the week combined that has created this superstition of bad luck and death? It is hard to pinpoint the exact cause for this phenomenon, but we do have some clues and differing ideas as to its origin.
According to anthropologist, Phillips Stevens, Jr.--associate professor of anthropology at the University of Buffalo, the fear of Friday the 13th, most likely had its beginning in the Middle Ages which originates from the story of Jesus and his Disciples coming together for the Passover meal. Subsequently, this dinner is commonly called The Last Supper, as it was the last meal they would have as a group.
The idea is that there were 13 people at this dinner, which is widely accepted as being on a Thursday. The next day would be Friday, and on that day, Jesus was crucified. It would seem obvious then, that no one in their right mind would want to be the 13th person at the dinner table--or anywhere for that matter.
Since that time, Stephens suggests, it became taboo across the board to have anything to do with the number 13.
This idea of the Last Supper being the cause is faulty for at least one main reason; a careful study of the Scriptures (Old and New Testament) reveals to us that the crucifixion did not occur on Friday. He was actually crucified on Thursday, being that this particular Sabbath was a high Sabbath, which meant a back-to-back Sabbath, beginning at sundown Thursday evening and ending at sundown Saturday evening. Notably and most important, we do not get three days and three nights from Friday before dark through early Sunday morning. Coupled with the teaching in Exodus regarding the Passover we see that Jesus' crucifixion was on the same day of the week as the Passover lamb, which was to protect the children of Israel. This is important in terms of prophecy as it relates to Jesus being the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." This however, is another study in itself. I point to it here to show the fear of Friday the 13th, along with other superstitious ideas are developed because there is a lack of understanding surrounding the facts and reasoning of a particular event. According to wikianswers.com, the earliest known reference to this superstition comes to us from the biography of Italian composer, Gioachini Rossini. In his book, "The Life of Rossini", Henry Sutherland Edwards says that Rossini might have been like most Italians who believe 13 to be an unlucky number and Friday an unlucky day. It is interesting to note that Rossini died on November 13th, which happened to be on a Friday.
The last idea of origin stems from a fellowship (brotherhood) in the Middle Ages known as the Knights Templar. It is said they were responsible for guarding the Holy Grail. It was also believed they had a lot of power and money---because of this, a secret order was issued to have them killed. On October 13, 1307, Philip IV ordered their arrest with the blessing of the Pope. October 13, 1307 was of course, a Friday.
It is apparent that in themselves the date or day do not have detrimental effects. Combined however, they are a different matter.
For some this day is all hype and a great time to play practical jokes. For others, this is not the case. No matter what the origin of Friday the 13th, it is clear that it has a lot of power over the one who believes. We cannot argue the fact that bad things happen on Friday the 13th, yet bad things happen on every other day of the week as well--why not a superstition for every number and day of the week? It is obvious that superstitions gain strength and momentum when large groups of people push the issue. They begin to see things that are not there and attribute every day things to a particular belief, thereby feeding it and giving it power over their lives until it governs their actions.
The fear of Friday the 13th, known as Paraskavedekatriaphobia, is further influenced by movies--movies like Friday the 13th, Part 100--if they can sell enough tickets. In any case, if you want freedom from this or any other phobia, there is help available. Visit www.phobia-fear-release.com/ . Take back the power you have given to this fear.
Sources: www.buffalo.edu/news/6676 ; www.wikianswers.com
© Teresa Ortiz 2009
According to anthropologist, Phillips Stevens, Jr.--associate professor of anthropology at the University of Buffalo, the fear of Friday the 13th, most likely had its beginning in the Middle Ages which originates from the story of Jesus and his Disciples coming together for the Passover meal. Subsequently, this dinner is commonly called The Last Supper, as it was the last meal they would have as a group.
The idea is that there were 13 people at this dinner, which is widely accepted as being on a Thursday. The next day would be Friday, and on that day, Jesus was crucified. It would seem obvious then, that no one in their right mind would want to be the 13th person at the dinner table--or anywhere for that matter.
Since that time, Stephens suggests, it became taboo across the board to have anything to do with the number 13.
This idea of the Last Supper being the cause is faulty for at least one main reason; a careful study of the Scriptures (Old and New Testament) reveals to us that the crucifixion did not occur on Friday. He was actually crucified on Thursday, being that this particular Sabbath was a high Sabbath, which meant a back-to-back Sabbath, beginning at sundown Thursday evening and ending at sundown Saturday evening. Notably and most important, we do not get three days and three nights from Friday before dark through early Sunday morning. Coupled with the teaching in Exodus regarding the Passover we see that Jesus' crucifixion was on the same day of the week as the Passover lamb, which was to protect the children of Israel. This is important in terms of prophecy as it relates to Jesus being the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." This however, is another study in itself. I point to it here to show the fear of Friday the 13th, along with other superstitious ideas are developed because there is a lack of understanding surrounding the facts and reasoning of a particular event. According to wikianswers.com, the earliest known reference to this superstition comes to us from the biography of Italian composer, Gioachini Rossini. In his book, "The Life of Rossini", Henry Sutherland Edwards says that Rossini might have been like most Italians who believe 13 to be an unlucky number and Friday an unlucky day. It is interesting to note that Rossini died on November 13th, which happened to be on a Friday.
The last idea of origin stems from a fellowship (brotherhood) in the Middle Ages known as the Knights Templar. It is said they were responsible for guarding the Holy Grail. It was also believed they had a lot of power and money---because of this, a secret order was issued to have them killed. On October 13, 1307, Philip IV ordered their arrest with the blessing of the Pope. October 13, 1307 was of course, a Friday.
It is apparent that in themselves the date or day do not have detrimental effects. Combined however, they are a different matter.
For some this day is all hype and a great time to play practical jokes. For others, this is not the case. No matter what the origin of Friday the 13th, it is clear that it has a lot of power over the one who believes. We cannot argue the fact that bad things happen on Friday the 13th, yet bad things happen on every other day of the week as well--why not a superstition for every number and day of the week? It is obvious that superstitions gain strength and momentum when large groups of people push the issue. They begin to see things that are not there and attribute every day things to a particular belief, thereby feeding it and giving it power over their lives until it governs their actions.
The fear of Friday the 13th, known as Paraskavedekatriaphobia, is further influenced by movies--movies like Friday the 13th, Part 100--if they can sell enough tickets. In any case, if you want freedom from this or any other phobia, there is help available. Visit www.phobia-fear-release.com/ . Take back the power you have given to this fear.
Sources: www.buffalo.edu/news/6676 ; www.wikianswers.com
© Teresa Ortiz 2009
This Article has been viewed 1,418 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
More commentsVery interesting article, Teresa!Hi Anon,Thanks for reading and the kind comment. I'm glad it kept your interest.Blessings to you!
I am agreed with David...the word itself is very scary to pronounce....lol...great article once again Teresa...God bless you...Hi Candles, thank you, I do hope it is an interesting and informative read for many. God bless you too!
Teresa, Great article, and as usual, very informative, and I never knew that Friday had that history behind it, I didn't even know it had a name....and I quote..."The fear of Friday the 13th, known as Paraskavedekatriaphobia, is further influenced by movies--movies like Friday the 13th, Part 100--if they can sell enough tickets"I also like the part with you said Friday the 13th, part 100, hahahahahahahha, now that is funny stuff.....Great and informative read, and you taught me something, even though I can say the word Paraskavedekatriaphobia, I consider myself well informed....(I'm going to have to break this down into sylables to pronounce it), that is my new word for the day....Great write and great read, your friend in pen.....Gary.....always a please!!Hi Gary, ha! it is a new word for me to :-) I am glad you learned something new, I did too while researching this info.Have a blessed day! Your friend in pen, Teresa
Teresa,I applaud this write! So often I ask the same question about 'calendar mentions' such as Friday the 13th...among others, and I wonder what even made people start making 'cliches' about them.Thanks for sharing this with us.Hi Ronyae, thanks for reading and for your input! I appreciate it :-)Have a terrific day!
hi t,the rebellious side of me never allowed me to cave to the unlucky 13.i don't give it much merit, but respect those that do.thanks for sharing,best regards,sue
Hi Sue, I couldn't respond in your comment for some reason. :-)Thanks for reading and commenting. I respect others who give this merrit, but I also feel bad for the one who is gripped by so much fear that they will not leave their home on this day.All the best to you! t
Hey Teresa! I won't even try to say Para- etc... I have a fear of a song, actually. Seriously. It's "Sweet Home ALabama," by Lynyrd Skynyrd. I have no reason why, exept I think it precluded some horrible event in my life. I've been working on it, but the last time I decided to listen to it anyway I lost part of two fingers on a table saw. Coincidence? Did I make it happen?Interesting arrticle. I plan on checking out the site mentioned. Thank you...Hi Ken, thank you for sharing this bit of personal info. I have seen many things stir up fear that seems to come from out of nowhere when I hear certain sounds and it distracts me, because I am busy trying to figure out why it is that that particular sounds sets me off. It is irrational and I do have to pray and purpose to calm myself. It could be that the song distracts you and that is why you cut your fingers, but I cannot say for sure. That sight talks about crippling fear that does create reality in our lives at times. I think it will help you.I am sure you are right in saying that song is connected to something that your mind has chosen to keep you from remembering. I will be praying for you. Nothing has power over us unless we give it power. Intentional or unintentional. God makes this clear in his word and their is freedom from these things.Lord bless you, dear friend! Teresa
I never put too much thought into the origination of the fear for the day, so thank you for doing the work for me. It was very thought provoking.I am proud to say that I will not be one of the millions going to see this movie. A year ago that might not have been the case. As I grow God has been helping me edit what I put into my head. Giving up horror movies may not seem like a big deal to some but for me it is a struggle.So thank you for putting the day into perspective. Now everytime I see a Friday the 13th on the calender I will think of Jesus' sacrafice that I am forever greatful for, even if it wasn't on that day, I can be happy rather than fearful.Hi Abbey,Thank you for reading and taking a moment to comment. I am so glad you will have another little something to remind you of the gift of salvation.I am with you, I won't be going to see it. I used to watch these kind of movies all the time, and like you, they became a fading desire the longer I walked with God. Good that you are growing :-) May we all continue to grow!Blessings to you!
Teresa,Great article! Personally, I don't liken the Friday the 13th taboo to Jesus death because His death was a good thing -- Good Friday. It was a blessed day for all who believe in Him.I like the Holy Grail idea. That suits me; however, I don't believe in the superstion anyway!Thanks for researching this info.NancyHi Nancy,I am with you on that first one, Jesus was destined to die. It was the sacrificial love offering by the God of Creation to make a way for sinful man to have a relationship with him. And I am forever grateful that God allowed me to hear his voice. A good day indeed!It was interesting to find this information. I think I want to write more of these types of articles in the future.Hugs,Teresa
Hi Teresa.I'm with all the rest. This is a very interesting article. Luckily, I'm not very superstitious, but I have been known to knock on wood. :)Thanks for the info.Hugs,DianneHi Dianne, thanks for reading, I found it interesting as well. And I too, have knocked on wood a few times myself :-)Hugs,Teresaps how is Charisma doing :-)
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