Friday the 13th and Harvest Moon: what will happen on this particular day

For a long time, Friday the 13th has been considered the most unfavorable day of the year, shrouded in fear and mystical events. But in September 2019, it will be special! The fact is that it is on the night of the 13th to the 14th that the Harvest Moon will rise in the sky - a rare astronomical phenomenon that we will be able to see next time only 30 years later!

What is dangerous about this day and what to expect from it, read in our material.

The phenomenon called "Harvest Moon" happens even less often than a solar eclipse.  In order for it to happen, it is necessary that the Full Moon falls on Friday the 13th, and the next time it will happen no earlier than 2049.

The harvest moon patronizes all farmers and entrepreneurs who are associated with the cultivation of crops. It is believed that on this day the Moon will illuminate the Earth so brightly that people can harvest until late at night, because mid-September is just the peak of the season.

But if this aspect concerns mainly only farmers, then Friday the 13th worries the milestones of other people. Let's figure out where the fears associated with this day came from and find out what can and cannot be done on Friday the 13th.

The fear of Friday the 13th began to gain momentum in the middle of the twentieth century. Many associate it with the fact that it was on this day that Jesus Christ was executed. In addition, the attitude of the Orthodox Church to the mysterious number played a role in spreading this fear — it is even called "Satanic", because Judas was the thirteenth at the table at the Last Supper, and Satan himself was allegedly the 13th angel.

Also, according to popular beliefs, on this day 12 witches gather for a sabbath, and the last — on the 13th - the Devil himself arrives. Hence the name "damn dozen".

If we discard all the mystical background, there will still be facts that do not speak in favor of this number. So, for example, in October 1307, by order of the French King Philip IV, all members of the Templar Order were arrested, and on Friday the 13th they were charged with treason and blasphemy. This was followed by prolonged carnage, torture and the death of many people.

In addition, on this day in 1907, the wreck of the schooner "Thomas W. Lawson is the only seven—masted sailing vessel in the world. As a result of the tragedy, almost all members of the team were killed, only two of the 18 people managed to survive. It is noteworthy that the ship was named after the writer Thomas W. Lawson, the author of the novel "Friday, the 13th."

In ancient times, people were especially superstitious, so they were wary of the number "13". On this day, they tried to avoid any major cases, because it was believed that they were doomed to failure with a huge degree of probability.

Even famous historical figures believed in the unusual properties of this day of the week. For example, Napoleon Bonaparte never sent troops to battle on that day, and Otto Bismarck never signed any documents. American Presidents Hoover and Roosevelt also avoided important decisions on this mysterious day.

The fear of Friday the 13th has become so serious that its official name has even appeared in medicine — paraskavedekatriaphobia. The name consists of two Greek words παρασκευή (Friday) and δεκατρία (thirteen), and it was proposed at one time by a certain Donald Dossey. The man was sure that people suffering from this phobia would be able to recover from it overnight after saying the name of this term aloud several times and without hesitation.

So if you also have a fear before Friday the 13th, you can test this method.

In the modern world, the fear of this number is no longer supported by religion, but by people themselves. Just remember how many films and horror stories are dedicated to this supposedly mystical date. From a scientific point of view, there is no reason to be afraid of Friday the 13th. It all depends on how the person sets himself up. If a person expects trouble, most likely, it will happen.

Psychologists say that especially superstitious people on this day need to postpone all important things, calm down and distract themselves. Also remember that the number 13 is not considered dangerous everywhere. For example, in Israel, "13" is a very respected and favorable number. Even the country is divided into 13 regions. In addition, it is believed that it was on this day that the Messiah descended to earth.

However, there are already well-established superstitions that say that on Friday the 13th it is not recommended:

But, again, all this is just people's speculation generated by their fears. If you can't cope with obsessive thoughts, go to church, pray or make yourself a good luck charm. This will help you tune in to a positive mood and spend this day as calmly as possible.

Are you afraid of Friday the 13th? What superstitions do you know about this day?