Today marks the only Friday the 13th of the year

In a year marked by an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and another surge in coronavirus cases, it’s hard to recall that just one date is considered in the American vernacular to be unlucky: Friday the 13th.

Friday marks the only Friday the 13th of the year, so we have that going for us in 2021.

Why so unlucky?

Historian Michael Bailey told USA Today that the origins of Friday the 13th stem from the day Jesus was crucified, which was a Friday. The day has had a “general ill omen” ever since.

Another history buff, Stuart Vyse, a psychology professor at Connecticut College, told USA Today that 13 guests are believed to have attended the Last Supper the night before Jesus was killed. The disciple who betrayed Jesus is believed to have been the 13th guest.

Whatever the origin, the day has staked its claim on our calendars.

Here’s what people are saying about Friday the 13th via memes, GIFS and random musings on social media: