Unlucky 13

[grimgimp]

Why is the number 13 considered unlucky?

[Quizmonster]

In the Bible, Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with His 12 disciples, one of whom was a traitor. Since then, 13 has been unlucky, particularly at meal-times. Even today, hostesses will do anything to avoid having that number at table.

[celticgirl]

On the last supper Jesus was with his 12 desciples and the thirteenth of them, Judas, betrayed Jesus. This is why the number 13 considered unlucky.

[algernon]

It is my understanding that there is plenty of argument over this phrases origins. Not only have I heard the previous answer muted a few times, but also there is the derivation from the bible of the concept of the perfect number (7) and the imperfect number (6), being one less than the perfect number. Therefore some have said that 13 is unlucky cus it is one less than 14 (2x7). (tenuous reasoning I think, but lots of unlikely things are true!

[WaldoMcFroog]

Additionally, in Norse Mythology, at a banquet in Valhalla, Loki gate crashed, making 13 guests and Balder was slain.