Luck on this Friday the 13th: 13 Stellar Events to Cheer About!
Lucky Friday the Thirteenth: 13 Positive Events Unfold - 13 Fortunate Incidents Happening on a Curious Day: Friday the 13th
Let's shake off those superstitions! Today, June 13th, is a Friday - the only one this year to don the dubious mantle of Friday the 13th. But is it really an unlucky day?
The Western world has a rich tapestry of superstition, and Friday the 13th is no exception. According to Christian tradition, this day is riddled with misfortunes: Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise, and Jesus Christ was crucified on a Friday. The number 13, often considered harmless, becomes sinister due to the 12, symbolizing completeness and harmony.
However, throughout history, some extraordinary events have taken place on these seemingly ominous days. Let's delve into 13 of these glorious occasions to celebrate this Friday.
Taylor Swift and the number 13
On October 13, 2023, "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" will grace cinema screens worldwide. With this date, the singer pays homage to her favorite number, which she shares with her birthday on December 13, 1989. To Swift, Friday the 13th symbolizes anything but bad luck, as the film is expected to break records as the most successful concert film of all time.
€13 million in winnings
On August 13, 2010, a French winner took home €13 million in the French lottery. The winner matched six numbers, bucking the trend of fewer players who usually take their chances on this famous day.
Water on the Moon
On November 13, 2009, NASA announced the discovery of water on the Moon rocks collected from a lunar crater. This revelation ended decades of speculation about the presence of water on our closest celestial neighbor.
Olympic heights
On August 13, 2004, the 29th Summer Olympic Games kicked off in Athens, Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics. Despite the Friday the 13th curse, the winners of the inaugural games under the new millennium certainly didn't feel the chill - bringing home the gold instead!
Super Mario Bros.: A legendary debut
On September 13, 1985, "Super Mario Bros." stormed Japan's gaming scene. Created by Nintendo, this stalwart of the gaming world has since spawned about 200 games, taking Mario from an unknown character to a household name.
Independence for Malta
On December 13, 1974, Malta officially transformed into a republic. Although the country gained independence from the British on September 21, 1964, it was on this Friday the 13th that the British monarch relinquished her role as head of state.
Medical breakthrough
On February 13, 1968, doctors in Munich, led by Rudolf Zenker, successfully performed the first human heart transplant in the Federal Republic of Germany. Although the recipient only survived for a few hours, it marked a monumental achievement in medical history.
Gender equality in the U.S.A.
In the United States, civil rights laws had already protected people from discrimination based on skin color, religion, or origin. On October 13, 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed an executive order extending these provisions to include gender for state jobs. A Friday the 13th to remember for gender equality!
A woman soars overhead
On October 13, 1939, pilot Evelyn Pinckert Brier (nicknamed "Pinky") became the first woman in history to be licensed as a flight instructor by the Civil Air Authority. This trailblazer in the skies continued to fly and instruct until her golden years.
The Hollywood landmark roars to life
On July 13, 1923, the iconic Hollywood sign was born. Originally named "Hollywoodland," the famed letters were erected to advertise a new housing development. As time passed, and the lights continued to shine, the sign became a symbol of the magic of the movie industry that still shines today.
The Birth of Heavy Metal
On February 13, 1970, the British band Black Sabbath released their self-titled debut album, often considered the birth of the Heavy Metal genre. The band deliberately chose Friday the 13th for this culturally significant debut.
Famous Birthdays
There are countless notable individuals who share this special day with us: Fidel Castro, born on August 13, 1926, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, born on January 13, 1961, Kat Dennings, born on June 13, 1986, and German celebrity Sarah Connor, born on June 13, 1980.
If the number 13 still fills you with a sense of foreboding, relax - June 13, 2025, marks the only Friday the 13th this year. The rest of the year is yours to seize!
- Entertainment
- Music
- Science
- Politics
- Women's Rights
- Independence
- Aviation
- Olympics
- History
- Cinema
- Arts
- Theatre
- Taylor Swift, embodying her fondness for the number 13, is set to release her concert film, "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour," on October 13, 2023, challenging conventional notions of Friday the 13th being an unlucky day.
- In the realm of sports, the 29th Summer Olympic Games commenced on August 13, 2004, in Athens, Greece, despite the day being a Friday the 13th, demonstrating that the champions didn't feel any bad luck as they brought home the gold.
- The video game industry celebrated a momentous occasion when "Super Mario Bros." debuted in Japan on September 13, 1985, marking the start of the beloved character's reign and sparking the creation of nearly 200 games.
- On a political and social note, October 13, 1967, signified a significant step forward for gender equality in the United States as President Lyndon B. Johnson signed an executive order extending civil rights laws to include gender for state jobs.
