DiscoverNewstalk BreakfastWhy do we fear Friday the 13th?
Why do we fear Friday the 13th?

Why do we fear Friday the 13th?

Update: 2026-03-13
Share

Description

Friggatriskaidekaphobia !The fear of Friday the 13th, also known as the chill, that runs down your neck when you spot it on your calendar once more.  But where did these superstitions even come from, and why do we still believe them (just in case)? 

Dr Kelly Fitzgerald, Head of the UCD School of Celtic Studies and Folklore discusses the longevity of this Western superstition.  

Comments 
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Why do we fear Friday the 13th?

Why do we fear Friday the 13th?