The number 13 is primarily associated with misfortune and bad luck, a reputation that likely contributes to it sometimes being informally referred to with negative labels like "Devil's number." While the term "Devil's number" might not have one single, definitive origin specifically tied to 13, its association with unluckiness is well-documented and rooted in historical beliefs.
The Association of 13 with Unluckiness
The primary reason behind 13's negative connotation stems from historical and religious traditions. This negative view has evolved over centuries, leading to widespread superstition.
Historical Roots in Religious Tradition
One significant origin point for the belief that 13 is unlucky is found in interpretations of the Last Supper.
- According to some sources dating back to the late 19th century, from the 1890s, a number of English language sources relate the "unlucky" thirteen to an idea that at the Last Supper, Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th to sit at the table. This seating arrangement placed the betrayer as the final individual to arrive or be counted at the pivotal meal, linking the number directly to an act of treachery and misfortune.
This narrative helped solidify 13's image as a number associated with negative outcomes and events.
From Unlucky to "Devil's Number"?
While the reference specifically links 13 to being "unlucky" due to the Last Supper, the leap to calling it the "Devil's number" is likely an extension of this perception of misfortune. Numbers considered consistently unlucky or associated with negative events can attract various labels reflecting this negativity. Though 666 is more widely known as the "number of the Beast" in some Christian traditions, the strong and persistent superstition around 13 makes it a candidate for similar informal negative descriptors like "Devil's number" in common parlance.
- Key Factors Contributing to the Negative View of 13:
- Association with the Last Supper and Judas's betrayal (the 13th figure).
- Breaking the natural order (e.g., 12 months in a year, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 hours on a clock face – 13 goes beyond this perceived completion).
- General historical superstition in various cultures connecting 13 to misfortune, though origins can vary.
| Belief / Association | Connection to 13's Negative Reputation |
|---|---|
| The Last Supper | Judas, the betrayer, is often cited as the 13th person present. |
| Going Beyond 12 | 12 is seen as a number of completeness (e.g., apostles, tribes of Israel), making 13 disruptive. |
| General Superstition | Fear of 13 (triskaidekaphobia) is prevalent, leading to avoidance in building floors, room numbers, etc. |
In conclusion, the negative perception of 13, significantly fueled by the historical interpretation relating it to Judas at the Last Supper, has cemented its status as an unlucky number. This deep-seated belief in its misfortune is the most likely reason why it is sometimes referred to using strongly negative terms like "Devil's number," reflecting its widespread association with bad luck rather than a direct, universal historical naming linking it specifically to the devil.
