Friday the 13th: A Day of Fun, Not Fear

Friday the 13th shows up again, and many people think bad luck will follow. But a different view is possible: it can be a day to try superstitions, enjoy good weather, and have some lighthearted fun. In Michigan the skies look bright, temperatures are cool, and winds are gentle—perfect for testing beliefs or simply having a good Friday. The idea that this day is unlucky comes from old stories. Christians link it to the Last Supper, where Judas was the 13th guest and betrayed Jesus. Norse myths say that the 13th god, Loki, caused trouble. The fear grew after the Knights Templar were arrested on October 13th in 1307. In 2026 there will be three Friday the 13ths: February, March and November. That is the most any year can have because February’s shorter length shifts the calendar just enough. Some people want to avoid certain actions on Friday the 13th. These include: breaking a mirror (believed to bring seven years of bad luck), walking under a ladder, spilling salt and throwing it over the left shoulder, letting a black cat cross your path, or stepping on cracks in the sidewalk.Others want to bring good luck instead. Carry a lucky charm like a four‑leaf clover, a horseshoe or a rabbit’s foot. Knocking on wood after saying something hopeful is thought to keep bad luck away. Weather can also influence how people feel about the day. Rain might wash away misfortune or give a chance to start anew. Snow can bring quiet and reflection, while sunshine is often linked with optimism and success. The National Weather Service says that this Friday the 13th in Michigan will be a mix of sunshine and cool temperatures. In the Upper Peninsula it will be mostly sunny with highs in the mid‑30s and light winds, giving a lucky feel. Tonight will be partly cloudy with lows in the low 20s and some gusty winds, adding a bit of unpredictability. In Detroit and Southeast Michigan the day will be mostly sunny with highs in the mid‑50s. The clear nights give a chance to pause and think about how you want to spend the day. Whatever the weather, the day can be a chance for caution, a touch of magic and an opportunity to choose how you feel about Friday the 13th.