Whether you're just a little more cautious today because of various Friday the 13th superstitions, historically, the day hasn't always turned out to be, well, normal.
Here's our wrapup of the top five worst Friday the 13ths.
In 1939, the Black Friday brush fires began in Australia. The fires ended January 20. They left 71 people dead, 1,000 people injured and 3,000 homeless.
In October 1972, the Andes flight disaster left 16 survivors after two months.
In January 1989, the Friday the 13th virus struck hundreds of IBM computers in Britain.
In 1996, Tupac Shakur died September 13 of gunshot wounds sustained a week earlier.
And in January, the Costa Concordia cruise ship ran aground on the island of Giglio, Italy, killing at least 30.
Today, as part of our coverage, CNN Radio's new Soundwaves blog is also featuring a podcast about tempting fate on this date, as well as a little history of how the superstition came to be. It also questions the kind of experiences people have had on this rare day.
The Belief Blog also has a breakdown, written by Connecticut College professor Stuart Vyse, exploring why exactly we fear Friday the 13th and how superstitions manifest themselves.
It's also National French Fry Day, so do with that what you will.
Let us know how your Friday the 13th goes, and what superstitions you have in the comments below.
Friday 13th is a wonderful day. My 5 year old son was born on that day and I couldn't have asked for anything better to happen.
Well Sylvester Stallone son died on Friday 13th.
Friday August 13, 2004 Hurricane Charley changes course and slammed into Punta Gorda FL! That started a series of 4 Hurricanes which crossed the state of florida that season!
Why all the gloom and doom just because it's friday the 13th. ooooooooooooo. Bad stuff happens on other days too. Think maybe things could just be coincidence ?
Why is my comment awaiting moderation ? All I said was the Friday the 13 th crap is just that.
@Jay jay – It doesn't take long for Obama bashers to attempt to link Friday 13th with anything going wrong. Have you ever looked inside and maybe thought you are not in control of your own life and need to constantly blame others no matter how obscure the link may be? Really...your response was just meek. Stick to actual outcomes if Obama does something wrong, or even the next prez you are unhappy with.
Friday the 13th is the day of the Nordic goddess Freyja. In the ancient days it was considered bad luck to start a trip on the day of Freyja or Friday.
Any reason why everything I post gets deleted, but the posts by people who hgijack and troll me stays up?
Seems like a typical day on Planet Earth.
NO DAY "historically turns out to be normal". Anything bad (or good) can happen on any particular date. The examples given were rather underwhelming. CNN, please don't perpetuate myths!
Myth? No myth. Hehehehehehhe.....
Wasn't Knights Templar execution on Friday 13th?
Friday the 13th hasn't been the same since Walt Kelly died, and POGO was discontinued. Here's to Walt, Pogo, Albert, Howland, and Churchy "Friday the 13th comes on a Tuesday this month." For those too young to remember, you missed something really special.
I know this is just wrong, but it's time for a P U moment.
A trucker is driving down the highway when he hears a loud thump under his semi. He stops to check the damage, then calls his boss.
“I hit a pig on the road, and he’s stuck under my truck,” he explains. “What should I do?”
“Shoot it in the head,” answers the boss. “Then pull it out and throw it in the truck.”
The driver does it, then calls his boss back. “I did what you told me,” he explains.
“So what’s the problem?” snaps the boss.
The driver replies, “I don’t know what to do with his motorcycle.”
ohmie ohmy...lol
Rawr, that was so wrong on so manay levels...lmao!
Thought you guys at CNN were reporting the news under "this just in". There is nothing significant or unpredictable about a Friday the 13th. You can predict each and every occurrence until the end of time. It's significance is relegated to old folk's legends and newspaper fillers. So go out and report some newsworthy story ...please!
I won $45 dollars at the Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin MD , 5 miles from Ocean City MD. Also the beach was not crowded, the ocean water perfect temp. the weather perfect. And the Trasher Maryland Fries on the boardwalk was very fresh,hot and ohhh so good. It was a good Friday the 13th.
Hi, s kel!!
It wasn't unlucky at all!
In fact, I'd say it was just the opposite! 😉