Between myths and reality: what is said about Tuesday the 13th

Santo Domingo.– “Tuesday the 13th, neither marry nor embark nor leave your house,” says a well-known popular saying that has deeply resonated in the culture of many Spanish-speaking countries, including the Dominican Republic. This day is surrounded by superstitions that associate it with bad luck, just like its Anglo-Saxon “cousin”: Friday the 13th.

The origin of the fear of Tuesday 13 dates back to ancient Rome. Mars, god of war, gives its name to Tuesday, and due to its warlike nature, it was considered a day conducive to conflicts, not to good fortune. To this is added the number 13, traditionally linked to the ominous for breaking with the “sequence of perfection”, since 12 is perceived as a complete number: 12 months of the year, 12 zodiac signs, 12 apostles, among others.

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In Dominican culture, these beliefs are still alive. Many people avoid holding important events, such as weddings, moving houses, or signing contracts on a day like today, for fear of attracting bad luck.

However, psychology offers a more rational explanation for this phenomenon. It is the effect known as “self-fulfilling prophecy”, which suggests that if a person firmly believes that Tuesday the 13th will go badly for them, they are more likely to associate any setback with that belief, thus reinforcing the myth.

Although science does not support the existence of anything negative on this date, the truth is that Tuesday the 13th remains a day that provokes caution, curiosity, and, for many, respect.

Beliefs about things that should not be done on a Tuesday the 13th

The list of things that cannot be done on a Friday the 13th includes both activities that might be better postponed and also others traditionally related to bad luck, which, for those who believe in this tradition, are amplified on this day:

Not getting married: it is believed that getting married on Tuesday the 13th brings bad luck to the marriage.

Do not start a new job or project: starting something new on this day might not have good results.

Avoid traveling: traveling on this day is considered to bring problems or accidents.

Do not make important decisions: many believe that it is better to postpone important financial or personal decisions.

Not crossing paths with a black cat: this is a classic superstition that intensifies on Tuesday the 13th.

Not walking under a ladder: is another common superstition that is especially avoided on this day.

Don’t break a mirror: this is associated with seven years of bad luck, and doing it on a Tuesday the 13th is even worse.

Not opening an umbrella indoors: this action is believed to bring bad luck, especially on a day like today.