Greetings from the Great Bend Public Library, and happy Friday the 13th! Did you know the fear of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia? There are a few different interpretations on how 13 became such an unlucky number. Some trace it back to a myth about the 12 gods of Asgard and a dinner in Valhalla going awry when the mischievous god Loki showed up as the 13th guest. Others point to the Last Supper as the origin of the number’s connotation with being unlucky, since Judas was the 13th guest at the dinner right before the crucifixion. Friday the 13th doesn’t always just happen once a year, either. Last year, in 2020, we had two Friday the 13ths! Coincidence? I think not. Luckily, this year we just have the one happening today. Friday the 13th is just one of many superstitions in western culture, so what better day than the unluckiest day of the year to talk about some of them!
Be sure to hang a horseshoe open-side-up if you’re hoping to snag a bit of good luck today. Horseshoes made of iron have long been associated with good luck. Firstly, iron has always been considered a good weapon to ward against all kinds of malevolent, supernatural creatures. Following this logic, placing a horseshoe above your door will keep them from entering your home, especially witches, who are said to be afraid of horses. Luck is also supposed to pour out of the ends of the horseshoe and, in some cases, is stored in the U-shaped part of the object.
Ever wonder why it’s unlucky to walk under a ladder? Other than the obvious safety concerns to take into account, this is thought to have stemmed from the beliefs of the Egyptians. If you study a ladder leaning against a wall, you might notice it forms a triangle. Considering the people of Egypt built giant, three-dimensional versions of this shape to house their dead rulers esteemed as gods, you might see why they viewed it as blasphemous to pass through such a holy shape.
Lastly, there is the act of spilling salt. Why do we consider this to be so unlucky? For much of history, this mineral has been considered an extremely precious commodity, not just as a flavoring but as a preservative. Many cultures saw its great value, so naturally, spilling or wasting any would be considered a misfortune. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “not worth [their] salt.” This actually stems from ancient Rome, when its soldiers were given allowances of salt rations, called “salarium” or “salt money,” which is the origin of the common word “salary” that we use today.
If you would like to read more about superstitions, I recommend you check out the book “Folklore from Kansas: Customs, Beliefs, and Superstitions” edited by William E. Koch.
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This column was written by Hannah Grippin, the outreach manager at the Great Bend Public Library.
