The fear of the number 13, also known as triskaidekaphobia, is a very real phobia that affects millions of people worldwide. Though not as common as other phobias like arachnophobia (fear of spiders) or acrophobia (fear of heights), triskaidekaphobia has been around for centuries and continues to impact the lives of many today.
What is triskaidekaphobia?
Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13. People with this phobia experience anxiety and avoidance behaviors centered around the number 13 specifically. This can include fear of the 13th floor in buildings, traveling on the 13th day of the month, or having 13 guests at a dinner party. The phobia often extends to the numbers surrounding 13 as well.
Symptoms of triskaidekaphobia include:
- Panic or anxiety when confronted with the number 13
- Avoiding anything related to the number 13
- Refusal to go to the 13th floor of buildings
- Avoiding travel or important events on the 13th day of the month
- Fear of being seated in the 13th row or having the 13th item in a series
The level of fear and avoidance behavior can vary widely, from mild unease to full blown panic attacks. Like many phobias, triskaidekaphobia gets worse as the feared situation or object (in this case the number 13) gets closer.
What causes triskaidekaphobia?
There are a few theories as to what causes triskaidekaphobia:
Negative associations
Fear often arises from negative associations with the object or situation. Bad experiences connected to the number 13, either personally or culturally, can instill a lasting dread of it. Examples include:
- Having something unlucky happen on the 13th
- Being teased or bullied because of the number 13
- Growing up in a culture or family that considers 13 unlucky
Genetics
Phobias are known to run in families, indicating there may be a genetic component. People whose family members have triskaidekaphobia are more likely to develop the phobia themselves.
Overgeneralization
The human brain likes patterns. When negative events cluster around the number 13, the brain may start correlating the two and expecting bad things when 13 is present, even if it’s just a coincidence.
Traumatic trigger event
For some, an extremely traumatic event occurring on the 13th may have triggered the phobia. This can include accidents, deaths of loved ones, assaults, etc.
Why is 13 considered unlucky?
So where did this unlucky association with 13 come from in the first place? There are a few historical theories:
13 guests at the Last Supper
In the Bible, there were 13 guests at the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus shared with his apostles before his crucifixion. Some believe having 13 people at a dinner table is bad luck for this morbid reason.
Code of Hammurabi
Ancient Mesopotamian law code omitted a 13th law from its list of legal rules. Some translate this as a deliberate omission due to 13 being unlucky.
Loki’s Dinner Party
In Norse mythology, trickster god Loki was the 13th guest at a dinner in Valhalla, where he caused the death of another god.
13 witches in a coven
Folkloric traditions hold that 13 witches was the standard size of a witches’ coven. This contributed to the sinister and unlucky perception of 13.
Friday the 13th arrest of Knights Templar
On Friday, October 13, 1307, King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of the Knights Templar, a powerful religious/military group. The association of Friday the 13th with persecution and death contributed to folklore around the number.
When does triskaidekaphobia usually develop?
Triskaidekaphobia typically develops in childhood around the ages of 7-9 years old. This is the prime window where fears and phobias take hold. Specific events or conditioning during this time may trigger a lasting association between 13 and bad luck. However, triskaidekaphobia can develop at any age following traumatic experiences.
Triskaidekaphobia around the world
The fear of 13 is most prevalent in Western nations, particularly the United States. However, triskaidekaphobia exists around the world:
- In Italy, omitting 13 house address numbers is commonplace, with residences skipping from 12 to 14.
- Airlines in Japan often omit the 13th row on planes.
- Many tall buildings skip labeling the 13th floor, going straight from 12 to 14.
- The official phobia of the number 13 is known as “treiskaidekaphobia” in Greece and some areas nearby.
While less common, avoidance of 13 can be found across many countries and cultures. Hotels, airlines, and high rise buildings internationally omit 13 in room numbers, rows, and floors.
Stats and facts on triskaidekaphobia
Some key facts surrounding triskaidekaphobia:
| Stat | Fact |
|---|---|
| Prevalence | Estimates range from 7-15% of people in the Western general population. |
| Age onset | Usually develops between ages 7-9. |
| Gender ratio | Women are about twice as likely to have triskaidekaphobia. |
| Comorbidity | Often occurs alongside other phobias or anxiety disorders. |
| Cost in lost revenue | Up to $900 million annually is lost in the U.S. alone from reduced travel/purchases on the 13th. |
Triskaidekaphobia results in major losses for airlines, hotels, concert promoters, restaurants, and other industries where purchases dip on the 13th of the month or week.
Famous triskaidekaphobics
Even rich and famous people have admitted to fearing the number 13, including:
- Franklin Roosevelt: Refused to travel on the 13th day. Would never host a dinner party with 13 guests.
- Steve McQueen: Felt it was unlucky to race on the 13th.
- Margaret Thatcher: Would never convene her cabinet on the 13th of the month.
- Mark Twain: Had a strong fear of the number 13 his entire life.
Triskaidekaphobia reaches all levels of society, from heads of state to Hollywood celebrities. The rich and privileged are not immune to phobias.
How is triskaidekaphobia treated?
Like many phobias, the primary treatment for triskaidekaphobia is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with a licensed therapist. CBT aims to alter negative thought patterns and behavior around the fear trigger. Techniques may include:
- Exposure therapy – Gradually facing feared 13-related situations until anxiety decreases.
- Reframing – Changing cognitive distortions about 13 causing bad luck.
- Modeling – Watching others interact normally with 13 numbers.
- Relaxation – Learning breathing, meditation, etc. to calm anxiety.
For severe cases, anxiety medication may be used in conjunction with therapy. With professional treatment and self-help strategies, overcoming triskaidekaphobia is within reach.
Self-help tips for triskaidekaphobia
In addition to therapy, some self-help tips can aid in managing the fear of 13:
- Journal about anxiety – Record thoughts and feelings about the number 13.
- Use calming techniques – Practice deep breathing or mindfulness when you encounter 13.
- Limit avoidance – Reduce avoidance behaviors associated with 13.
- Think logically – Remind yourself 13 is just a number.
- Visualize success – Picture yourself calmly facing 13-related situations.
Can triskaidekaphobia be completely cured?
With professional treatment and determination, it is possible to fully overcome triskaidekaphobia. However, it often takes time and effort to break the association between 13 and fear. Some may see their phobia improve to manageable levels rather than disappear completely. Consistent treatment provides the best chances of eliminating triskaidekaphobia from your life.
The takeaway on triskaidekaphobia
Triskaidekaphobia is a legitimate phobia with life-limiting consequences for many around the globe. Cultural conditioning over centuries has cemented the perception of 13 as an unlucky number in many societies. While the precise origin of triskaidekaphobia is unclear, potential causes include traumatic experiences, genetics, and overgeneralizations based on coincidences.
If you or a loved one has triskaidekaphobia, know that treatment is available. With cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, self-care strategies, and perseverance, it is possible to overcome fear of the number 13 and take back your life.