Hoy es martes 13…….
Did you know that Tuesday 13th is considered to be a day of bad luck in Spain, Greece & various Latin American countries? Whereas in Anglosaxon countries Friday 13th is a ‘bad luck day’, here it’s Tuesday 13th which puts fear into the hearts of many! There’s a saying in Spain ‘Martes 13: Ni te cases, ni te embarques, ni de tu casa te apartes’ Tuesday 13th: Don’t marry, nor embark on a journey, nor leave the house.
So why Tuesday?
Marte is Mars, the god or war, destruction, violence & blood in Greek mythology. The red planet. The name of the day martes, is obviously linked to Marte, & so legend has it that the day is guided by Mars. Which can’t be good….
In near Eastern mythology, Tuesday 13th is blamed for the confusion of languages – the speaking in tongues – in the Tower of Babel.
And why 13?
There are many reasons in legend & superstition for the number 13 to be considered unlucky. Here are just a few.
In the bible, there were 13 at the Last Supper, & some believe that Judas (who betrayed Jesus) was the 13th to take his seat.
It is said that there were always 13 steps up to the gallows.
A coven of witches traditionally had 13 members.
In Norse mythology, 12 Gods were enjoying a banquet, when a 13th arrived unexpectedly & uninvited. This was Loki (the God of fire or mischief), who then proceeded to kill one of the other gods. Legend says that this led to various natural disasters & the death of all the gods.
These superstitions have led to many buildings not having a 13th floor & hotels not offering a room 13
