Today in History
Jan 13, 2017 05:38:05 #
Today is Friday the 13th. There is a history behind this superstition. At one time or another, both Friday and the number 13 were considered unlucky all by themselves. According to tradition, Jesus was crucified on a Friday. There were 13 people present at the last supper, and according to Norse mythology, the number 13 is unlucky because, GUESS WHAT? It is the number of none other than Loki.
While most point to 1307 as the origin of unlucky Friday the 13th, there are earlier examples. Many people are familiar with the story of King Philip of France and the Knights Templar. Philip was deeply in debt to the Templars and was unable to pay, so he fabricated evidence of heresy and devil worship against them, had hundreds of them arrested in surprise raids on Friday the 13th, and subsequently, after a mock trial, had them executed, frequently by burning at the stake. It is less well known that on Friday the 13th in 1066, William the Conqueror demanded that King Harold Hadrada of England give up his throne and crown. Harold refused and was killed the next day at the battle of Hastings, one of history's pivotal fights.
While most point to 1307 as the origin of unlucky Friday the 13th, there are earlier examples. Many people are familiar with the story of King Philip of France and the Knights Templar. Philip was deeply in debt to the Templars and was unable to pay, so he fabricated evidence of heresy and devil worship against them, had hundreds of them arrested in surprise raids on Friday the 13th, and subsequently, after a mock trial, had them executed, frequently by burning at the stake. It is less well known that on Friday the 13th in 1066, William the Conqueror demanded that King Harold Hadrada of England give up his throne and crown. Harold refused and was killed the next day at the battle of Hastings, one of history's pivotal fights.
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