Although superstition dooms Friday the 13th by proclaiming it an unlucky day, almost every article written about the day assures us that, in reality, as many good things happen on those days as bad things. I believe that’s true, but it became very hard for me to verify that statement. Apparently, people have only recently started keeping track of good or positive things that take place.
Of course, the passage of time puts a different slant on incidents and one unlucky event may eventually be seen later as “not that earth shaking” or perhaps even good.
In terms of tracking bad luck episodes, most of the accidents and unlucky occurrences happen to an individual or occur at a personal level. Only a few are of a scale worthy of the 10 p.m. news broadcast, an article Time Magazine, or announcement in an internet Twitterfeed.
HOW MANY FRIDAY 13 ARE THERE?
Friday falls on the 13th day of the month, on the Gregorian calendar, at least one day each year. The maximum times in a year is three. For example, in 2015, Friday the 13th occurred in February, March, and November. In 2017 through 2019 there were two Friday the 13ths each.
This year, 2020, there are two: March 13 and today, November 13. We could certainly stand something good happening today. The years 2021 and 2022 will both have just one occurrence each.
WHERE DID ALL THE GOOD THINGS GO?
While there are very long lists of unfortunate events that occurred on Friday the 13th, the list of positive events is sparse. Here are the incidents I could find on the internet. I’m sure deep research would reveal others.
▼Callisto, 4th moon of Jupiter - mage Source: pinterest.co.uk/563935184559873500/
Of course, the passage of time puts a different slant on incidents and one unlucky event may eventually be seen later as “not that earth shaking” or perhaps even good.
In terms of tracking bad luck episodes, most of the accidents and unlucky occurrences happen to an individual or occur at a personal level. Only a few are of a scale worthy of the 10 p.m. news broadcast, an article Time Magazine, or announcement in an internet Twitterfeed.
HOW MANY FRIDAY 13 ARE THERE?
Friday falls on the 13th day of the month, on the Gregorian calendar, at least one day each year. The maximum times in a year is three. For example, in 2015, Friday the 13th occurred in February, March, and November. In 2017 through 2019 there were two Friday the 13ths each.
This year, 2020, there are two: March 13 and today, November 13. We could certainly stand something good happening today. The years 2021 and 2022 will both have just one occurrence each.
WHERE DID ALL THE GOOD THINGS GO?
While there are very long lists of unfortunate events that occurred on Friday the 13th, the list of positive events is sparse. Here are the incidents I could find on the internet. I’m sure deep research would reveal others.
▼Callisto, 4th moon of Jupiter - mage Source: pinterest.co.uk/563935184559873500/
● 1610 -- Callisto Discovered
On January 13, 1610, Galileo Galilei discovered Callisto, the fourth moon of Jupiter.
● 1789 -- “Nothing Certain but Death and Taxes" Quote
I’m not quite sure this qualifies as a “Good Thing” that happened, although it has proven to be spot on. Friday, November 13, 1789, Benjamin Franklin wrote his famous quote in a letter to Jean-Baptiste Leroy. He was informing the fellow inventor that the US Constitution was completed, and the quote in its entirety reads, "Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in the world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.”
On January 13, 1610, Galileo Galilei discovered Callisto, the fourth moon of Jupiter.
● 1789 -- “Nothing Certain but Death and Taxes" Quote
I’m not quite sure this qualifies as a “Good Thing” that happened, although it has proven to be spot on. Friday, November 13, 1789, Benjamin Franklin wrote his famous quote in a letter to Jean-Baptiste Leroy. He was informing the fellow inventor that the US Constitution was completed, and the quote in its entirety reads, "Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in the world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.”
● 1854 – First US Patent For An Accordion
The first US patent for the accordion was granted on January 13, 1854 to Anthony Faas of Philadelphia.
▼Image Source: theparisreview.org/blog/
The first US patent for the accordion was granted on January 13, 1854 to Anthony Faas of Philadelphia.
▼Image Source: theparisreview.org/blog/
●1882 – The Thirteen Club was Founded in
New York
On January 13, 1882, The Thirteen Club was founded Club was founded in New York City at Knickerbocker Cottage at 454 Sixth Avenue -- note that the address adds up to 13 – by Captain William Fowler (1827-1897) who desired to remove the stigma surrounding the number 13.
At the time there was a rule, unwritten, about not having thirteen guests at the dinner table. Members met on the 13th day of the month in room 13 of the Knickerbocker Cottage, a popular watering hole Fowler owned from 1863 to 1883. Before sitting down for a 13-course dinner, members would pass beneath a ladder and a banner reading “Morituri te Salutamus,” Latin for “Those of us who are about to die salute you.” Four former U.S. presidents were members.
New York
On January 13, 1882, The Thirteen Club was founded Club was founded in New York City at Knickerbocker Cottage at 454 Sixth Avenue -- note that the address adds up to 13 – by Captain William Fowler (1827-1897) who desired to remove the stigma surrounding the number 13.
At the time there was a rule, unwritten, about not having thirteen guests at the dinner table. Members met on the 13th day of the month in room 13 of the Knickerbocker Cottage, a popular watering hole Fowler owned from 1863 to 1883. Before sitting down for a 13-course dinner, members would pass beneath a ladder and a banner reading “Morituri te Salutamus,” Latin for “Those of us who are about to die salute you.” Four former U.S. presidents were members.
● 1923 -- First Scientifically Recognized Dinosaur Eggs Discovered
According to the American Museum of Natural History, Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first dinosaur eggs at a dig in Mongolia, on July 13, 1923. Scientifically, this was huge for the field of paleontology, confirming that dinosaurs laid eggs —and the Museum was so impressed that Andrews would go on to be the director of the Museum from 1935 to 1942.
Image Credit: Topical Press Agency/Getty Images
Image Source: insider.com/good-things-friday-13th
According to the American Museum of Natural History, Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first dinosaur eggs at a dig in Mongolia, on July 13, 1923. Scientifically, this was huge for the field of paleontology, confirming that dinosaurs laid eggs —and the Museum was so impressed that Andrews would go on to be the director of the Museum from 1935 to 1942.
Image Credit: Topical Press Agency/Getty Images
Image Source: insider.com/good-things-friday-13th
● 1923 – Dedication of the Hollywoodland Sign
Dedication of the Hollywoodland Sign took place on July 13, 1923. It was to promote a housing development in the Hollywood Hills owned by H.J. Whitley called Hollywoodland. The fifty-foot tall letters on the side of Mount Lee weren’t intended to last more than two years, but instead remained there until 1949, when it was replaced by the iconic Hollywood Sign.
◄ Image Credit: AP Photo/The Bruce Torrence Hollywood Photograph Collection
Image Source: stltoday.com/national/events-friday-the-13
Dedication of the Hollywoodland Sign took place on July 13, 1923. It was to promote a housing development in the Hollywood Hills owned by H.J. Whitley called Hollywoodland. The fifty-foot tall letters on the side of Mount Lee weren’t intended to last more than two years, but instead remained there until 1949, when it was replaced by the iconic Hollywood Sign.
◄ Image Credit: AP Photo/The Bruce Torrence Hollywood Photograph Collection
Image Source: stltoday.com/national/events-friday-the-13
 ▲ Image Credit: Bettmann/CORBIS Image Source: smithsonianmag.com/howard-hughes-h-1 |  ● 1935 -- Howard Hughes H-1 Sets World Airspeed Record Friday the 13th in 1935, the Hughes H-1 Racer set a world airspeed record (567 kph/352 mph). Designed by the legendary Howard Hughes and Richard Palmer, it was the last privately owned aircraft to break the world air- ▲ Image Credit: Getty Images speed record, and now resides at the National Image Source: Air and Space Museum. insider.com/good-things-friday-13th |
● 1939 - The First Female Flight Instructor Licensed
Evelyn Pinckert Kilgore became the first licensed female flight instructor on October 13, 1939. During World War II, Kilgare-Brier joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots. She was an important figure for women in aviation. She also flew non-combat missions during World War II, and after the war owned and operated her own private airport in San Bernardino, CA.
The aeronautics field continues to be predominantly male, but Ms. Kilgore was one of the first women to challenge and break that barrier.
▲Image Credit: Acme/PhotoQuest/Getty Images
Image Source: insider.com/good-things-friday-13th
[Note: I knew Pinkie personally when I was with the San Bernardino County Planning Department in the 1960s and 1970s. She was a remarkable person and a tough old gal, but I never knew about her being the first female licensed as a flight instructor.]
Evelyn Pinckert Kilgore became the first licensed female flight instructor on October 13, 1939. During World War II, Kilgare-Brier joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots. She was an important figure for women in aviation. She also flew non-combat missions during World War II, and after the war owned and operated her own private airport in San Bernardino, CA.
The aeronautics field continues to be predominantly male, but Ms. Kilgore was one of the first women to challenge and break that barrier.
▲Image Credit: Acme/PhotoQuest/Getty Images
Image Source: insider.com/good-things-friday-13th
[Note: I knew Pinkie personally when I was with the San Bernardino County Planning Department in the 1960s and 1970s. She was a remarkable person and a tough old gal, but I never knew about her being the first female licensed as a flight instructor.]
● 1942 – Plastic Soybean Car Patented
On January 13, 1942 Henry Ford patented a plastic automobile known as the Soybean Car made using soybeans, although some people now claim it was made primarily from hemp. [Since I’d never heard of it, it may never have gone anywhere. LOL]
▲ Image Source: youtube.com/watch?v=kS6e797W4iA
On January 13, 1942 Henry Ford patented a plastic automobile known as the Soybean Car made using soybeans, although some people now claim it was made primarily from hemp. [Since I’d never heard of it, it may never have gone anywhere. LOL]
▲ Image Source: youtube.com/watch?v=kS6e797W4iA
● 1967 – President L.B. Johnson Signs Executive Order
No. 11246
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed an executive order preventing gender discrimination in the government on October 13, 1967. Executive Order No. 11246 amended Executive Order No. 11246.
Image Credit: Bettmann/Getty Images ►
Image Source:insider.com/good-things-friday-13th
No. 11246
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed an executive order preventing gender discrimination in the government on October 13, 1967. Executive Order No. 11246 amended Executive Order No. 11246.
Image Credit: Bettmann/Getty Images ►
Image Source:insider.com/good-things-friday-13th
● 1974 – Malta becomes a Republic
The tiny Mediterranean country of Malta first became independent in 1964, but officially became a republic on December 13, 1974. Even though it's small, Malta is an underrated place to visit.
● 1985 -- Super Mario Bros. Released
Nintendo’s Mario is one of the most recognizable characters in pop culture. "Super Mario Bros.," one of the most iconic video games in history, was released on September 13, 1985 – exclusively in Japan. Since then, Mario has been in approximately 170 games, including wildly successful spin-offs like "Mario Kart," "Mario Party," and "Paper Mario." ▲Valletta, the capital of Malta
Image credit: Zoltan Gabor/Shutterstock
Image Source:insider.com/good-things-friday-13th
The tiny Mediterranean country of Malta first became independent in 1964, but officially became a republic on December 13, 1974. Even though it's small, Malta is an underrated place to visit.
● 1985 -- Super Mario Bros. Released
Nintendo’s Mario is one of the most recognizable characters in pop culture. "Super Mario Bros.," one of the most iconic video games in history, was released on September 13, 1985 – exclusively in Japan. Since then, Mario has been in approximately 170 games, including wildly successful spin-offs like "Mario Kart," "Mario Party," and "Paper Mario." ▲Valletta, the capital of Malta
Image credit: Zoltan Gabor/Shutterstock
Image Source:insider.com/good-things-friday-13th
● 1986 -- The Olsen Twins Were Born
The Olsen twins were born on June 13, 1986. The twins got their start on TV’s "Full House," and from there created an empire of books, videos, perfume, clothing lines, and more.
There are quite a few celebrities born on Friday the 13th including Actor Steve Buscemi, director Alfred Hitchcock. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Peter Tork, Frances Conroy, Didi Conn, Beau Mirchoff. Tony Dow, Max Weinberg, Christopher
The twins in 2015. ▲ Plummer, and many others.
Image Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Image Source: insider.com/good-things-friday-13th
● 1995 -- Finland’s Established Accident Day
Finland designated Friday the 13th as Accident Day in 1995, with the aim of raising awareness for workplace and road safety. It’s a clever idea to use the superstitious day as an opportunity to be extra vigilant.
Plus, because of its capital’s airport code and a particular daily flight demarcation, Finland also offers a Flight 666 to HEL every Friday the 13th. That means Helsinki, I presume.
The Olsen twins were born on June 13, 1986. The twins got their start on TV’s "Full House," and from there created an empire of books, videos, perfume, clothing lines, and more.
There are quite a few celebrities born on Friday the 13th including Actor Steve Buscemi, director Alfred Hitchcock. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Peter Tork, Frances Conroy, Didi Conn, Beau Mirchoff. Tony Dow, Max Weinberg, Christopher
The twins in 2015. ▲ Plummer, and many others.
Image Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images
Image Source: insider.com/good-things-friday-13th
● 1995 -- Finland’s Established Accident Day
Finland designated Friday the 13th as Accident Day in 1995, with the aim of raising awareness for workplace and road safety. It’s a clever idea to use the superstitious day as an opportunity to be extra vigilant.
Plus, because of its capital’s airport code and a particular daily flight demarcation, Finland also offers a Flight 666 to HEL every Friday the 13th. That means Helsinki, I presume.
● 2004 – The Olympic Games Return To Their Birthplace
The 2004 Summer Olympics were held in Athens, Greece, the country where they first started— both in ancient and modern times. The opening ceremony took place on August 13.
At the time, it was the largest Olympic Games, with 201 countries participating. Michael Phelps also won his first Olympic medal in Athens, and broke his first record. ▲ Australia's Robert Newbery practices diving.
Image Credit: Itsuo Inouye/AP Images -- Image Source: insider.com/good-things-friday-13th
The 2004 Summer Olympics were held in Athens, Greece, the country where they first started— both in ancient and modern times. The opening ceremony took place on August 13.
At the time, it was the largest Olympic Games, with 201 countries participating. Michael Phelps also won his first Olympic medal in Athens, and broke his first record. ▲ Australia's Robert Newbery practices diving.
Image Credit: Itsuo Inouye/AP Images -- Image Source: insider.com/good-things-friday-13th
● 2009 – Announcement Of Finding Water On The Moon
Project scientist Anthony Colaprete made the announcement on November 13, 2009, that NASA had found a "significant amount" of water on the moon, around a dozen two-gallon bucketfuls.
Image Credit: Image Source: Matt Cardy/Getty Images ►
Image Source: insider.com/good-things-friday-13th
TAKE AWAY
I have to believe that many more important and positive events have taken place on Fridays the 13th, but there is a pittance of references. I checked March 13, 2020, hoping that something good might have happened this year, but it all falls in the “bad” category. We have to put our hopes into today, November 13.
JUST SAYIN’
□
Resources
https://www.stltoday.com/news/national/events-that-took-place-on-friday-the-th/collection_0eaa62c9-86f4-5a2b-abe9-0a9cfd05d957.html
https://www.insider.com/good-things-friday-the-13th-2018-1
https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/2015/0313/Eight-surprisingly-good-things-that-happened-on-Friday-the-13th
https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2015/03/13/morituri-te-salutamus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS6e797W4iA
Project scientist Anthony Colaprete made the announcement on November 13, 2009, that NASA had found a "significant amount" of water on the moon, around a dozen two-gallon bucketfuls.
Image Credit: Image Source: Matt Cardy/Getty Images ►
Image Source: insider.com/good-things-friday-13th
TAKE AWAY
I have to believe that many more important and positive events have taken place on Fridays the 13th, but there is a pittance of references. I checked March 13, 2020, hoping that something good might have happened this year, but it all falls in the “bad” category. We have to put our hopes into today, November 13.
JUST SAYIN’
□
Resources
https://www.stltoday.com/news/national/events-that-took-place-on-friday-the-th/collection_0eaa62c9-86f4-5a2b-abe9-0a9cfd05d957.html
https://www.insider.com/good-things-friday-the-13th-2018-1
https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/2015/0313/Eight-surprisingly-good-things-that-happened-on-Friday-the-13th
https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2015/03/13/morituri-te-salutamus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS6e797W4iA
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