Today is Friday the 13th, a date seen as unlucky by many people. It is the second and last Friday the 13th of the year, sharing attention with Taylor Swift, who turns 35 today.

For those unsure about how to celebrate or those who are fans of Friday the 13th, there is a rich history behind this day and various traditions people follow. The next occurrence will be in June 2025, which will be the only Friday the 13th next year.

The date has inspired horror films and created a fear known as paraskevidekatriaphobia, which is the fear of Friday the 13th itself. The unluckiness of this date links to the belief that the number 13 is unlucky, particularly in Western cultures, where many fear the number, called triskaidekaphobia. Research suggests that about 10% of the U. S. population is afraid of 13.

While the exact reasons for the number’s bad reputation are unclear, they may relate to the concept of the “Lucky 12” in various systems. In Norse myths, Loki was the 13th guest at a feast leading to trouble, and in Christianity, Judas was the 13th guest at the Last Supper. Despite no proof of harm associated with the date, many still change their behavior on Friday the 13th.