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Tuesday the 13th: Why is it considered an unlucky day?

Published January 13, 2026, 08:34

Tuesday the 13th is traditionally considered an unlucky day, mainly due to its association with the planet Mars and the 'evil hour' in astrology. In Greece, this superstition is linked to the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, although folklorist Nikolaos Politis believes the connection is a later development. Generally, Tuesday is considered unlucky in many cultures, with Spanish speakers having the proverb 'On Tuesday, do not marry or travel'. The number 13 is also considered unlucky, as it disrupts the harmony of 12, a number with symbolic significance in many cultures. The combined negative reputation of Tuesday and the 13th reinforces the belief that this particular day brings bad luck.