The Times of India

Friday the 13th is here: Shocking legends from across the globe that explain why millions fear it

Across cultures, fear of unlucky dates reflects shared anxieties shaped by local beliefs. Western traditions link Friday the 13th to Christian and Norse lore, while Spain fears Tuesday the 13th, Italy Friday the 17th, and parts of East Asia avoid the number four. In India, the number 13 is sometimes associated with Rahu, symbolising cosmic disruption.