As if Friday the 13th isn't already an overload on the superstitious senses, this year's "holiday" is accompanied by a full moon as well.
The last time one of June's full moons lined up with Friday the 13th was back in 1919, according to universetoday.com—way before anyone thought "Friday the 13th: Honeymoon" sounded like a horror movie.
June's full moon has a couple of different nicknames, including the Strawberry Moon, because it's during strawberry season. It's also called the Honey Moon because of its position in the sky can give the moon a gold tint. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Kevin Burkett)
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But why do the two events give some people the creeps?
LiveScience says the origins of Friday the 13th superstitions aren't known, but probably stem from anxiety around Friday and the number 13 separately. The Independent explains the number 13 is bad luck in ancient Christian and Norse traditions, and Friday was the day of most hangings in Britain.
As for full moons, the belief that they're unlucky also goes back to ancient times. Aristotle reportedly believed the brain was affected by the tug of the moon, just like ocean tides. Even today, some police and hospital workers say full moons are more dangerous nights, a belief so widespread it's been studied for decades. (Via U.S. National Institutes of Health)
Those privy to bad luck only need a few short miracles to get through this Friday the 13th. The next Friday the 13th to occur with a full moon in June isn't until 2098, sources say.
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