It’s Friday the 13th today! A day that’s long been associated with bad luck and superstitions.
The origin of why Friday the 13th is considered unlucky varies across the world whether it be drawn from French literature, a 19th century exclusive American society called the Thirteen Club or religious beliefs and mythology. The superstitions associated with Friday the 13th also vary from country to country and across different cultures.
Regardless of the origin and history of Friday the 13th, it’s important to acknowledge that superstitions, beliefs and rituals can be very personal – they can simply be traditions we hold close, habits inculcated by our upbringing or just something we find comfort in. It’s not always about bad luck and misfortune or a specific day associated with such things ; it could just be a part of your day-to-day that offers a sense of safety and security to us.
So, to mark this Friday the 13th, we asked 13 people about their little superstitions, lucky charms or daily rituals and what importance it holds for them.
On angel numbers
“I always make a wish when I see an angel number on a clock like 11:11 or 4:44. I’m not sure how much I believe in it but it feels unlucky not to do it. Crucially, I never tell anyone what the wish is,” says an anonymous contributors, adding, ” I first learned about angel numbers from TikTok and I don’t know everything about them but it’s a nice small tradition in my life now.”
On the cat clause
Speaking of a superstition born from upbringing and cultural tradition, Riddhima says, ” I consider myself a perfectly rational person,educated, logical person. But the moment a cat crosses the road in front of me, my brain switches from PhD mode to Grandmother’s Ancient Superstition Mode. I freeze and wait for a brave human volunteer to cross first. If no one appears, I politely walk three steps backward and give the universe some time to reset. So yes, every morning begins with coffee, confidence, and a silent prayer that no cat decides to audition for the role of “Harbinger of Minor Inconveniences.” in my life.”
On household practices
Another anonymous submission reads, “In our house, we use Tatri (Citric Acid) to mop our floors daily. We also camphor and sage for air purification as well as take bath with epsom salt as it is considered to keep bad vibes away. We also always cook food and offer it to God before we eat a morsel of it.”
On sweet little keepsakes
One contributor going by the name Vivs, says “I have a small hand made penguin made by and gifted to me by my benefactor. She went overseas a couple of years back, so to remember her I always used to carry the penguin with me and now its has become a habit. Whenever I go out of my house I carry my penguin with me and treat it as a charm.”
On digital silences
Seema Bhatnagar says, “I keep my phone in another room for the first 30 minutes of every morning. It’s my way of keeping the ‘digital noise’ at bay and making sure I start the day on my own terms instead of reacting to everyone else’s chaos.”
She also offers an uplifting perspective to Friday the 13th, adding “While others see 13 as unlucky, I view it like a Baker’s Dozen—that extra bit of time and value I give myself to set a clear strategy before the world’s noise kicks in.”
On days of the week
One anonymous submission reads, “I feel every good things needed to be started on Wednesday also never on Friday. Also I avoid going to hospital on Wednesday as our ancestors say if we go on Wednesday we would continuously keep going.”
On a gift that offers comfort
Sibora Sala says “I wear a pocket watch which my sister brought for me! Every time I have something important to do, I wear it and it helps me feel as if things will be okay. “
On mirrors and reflections
One anonymous contributor shares a random ritual they picked up in school they still keep up with, saying “I always look my face in the mirror before I leave the house. I feel like my day will go really badly if I don’t do it.”
On a physical manifestation of faith
Arundathy Bharadwaj says, ” I have this small idol of Goddess Laxmi in my vanity kit. It was given to me by my mom-in-law and I truly believe that God is always with me when I have it with me always, whether I am traveling or in office. I believe that even big issues get sorted or have a lesser impact when I have her with me.”
On daily routines
Another anonymous contributor, says “I prefer to wear a particular colour on important days. Also, every day when I wake up, I get out of bed by putting my right foot down onto the ground first.”
On handling sharp objects
“I never hand sharp objects to anyone, I always place them on a surface instead,”says an anonymous contributor.
On mindful rituals
Gitanjali Venkatesh says she has imbibed practices picked up from social media and her own upbringing, explaining, “I do a cleansing with dhoop incense ; soak in the sun; use herbs while I shower; practice breath work ;spend time in nature and listen to bhajans to cultivate surroundings that foster positivity”
On small familial habits
Another contributor Meet says, “I make sure that I always bow to the Golden Temple photo that’s in our drawing room since I’ve seen my mother do it on all the important occasions or whenever she heads out.”
(All responses edited for clarity and length)
Do you relate to any of these superstitions? What are some superstitions, rituals or habits you follow to bring in the good vibes daily? Visit Lyrical Muse for more relatable content.
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