There is a strange sensation spreading across the world regarding the number 13. Western countries, which are considered to be the leaders in science and rational thinking, are still entangled in the web of superstition associated with this number. It is considered so serious that it has been named as a psychological condition—triskaidekaphobia (fear of 13). The absence of room number 13 in hotels, the absence of table number 13 in restaurants, and even the disappearance of this number from the planning of cities in countries like India—all this shows the deep roots of this fear. But does 13 really bring bad luck, or is it just a distraction of the human mind? Let us take a closer look at this interesting story.

Fear of 13: A mythological beginning
The roots of considering 13 as unlucky in Western culture are believed to be linked to Christianity. Legend has it that during the Last Supper, there were 13 people at the table, one of whom—Judah—betrayed Jesus Christ. After this incident, 13 came to be considered a symbol of misfortune and deceit. However, historians question the authenticity of this story. Professor James Howard, a historian from London, says, “This may be a folktale, which has been exaggerated by generations. But its impact is so deep that it still lives in people’s minds.”

This fear is not limited to stories only. In Western countries, it is seen in everyday life. In many hotels and restaurants in countries like France and Britain, room or table number 13 is deliberately left out. After this comes number 14 directly. Hotel owners believe that if a guest stays in room number 13, he will feel uncomfortable or something untoward may happen.

Superstition of 13 in India too

This superstition is not limited to the West only. Its signs can be seen in India too. Chandigarh is a living example of this. Sector 14 comes directly after Sector 12 in the city structure—Sector 13 is missing. The city’s designer, the famous architect Le Corbusier, had deliberately left it out, because he too considered 13 to be inauspicious.

Ramesh Sharma, an elderly resident of Chandigarh, says, “When the city was being built, people used to say that the number 13 should be avoided. Even today some people consider the absence of this sector auspicious.” It is surprising to see that India, where Vastu and astrology are prevalent, has not lagged behind in adopting Western superstitions.

Why is room number 13 not available in hotels?

In the hotel industry, the fear of 13 has become a part of business strategy. Francois Louis, a hotel manager in Paris, says, “Many of our guests refuse to stay in room number 13. Some consider it inauspicious, while others take it as a joke. But why should we take the risk? So we go straight from 12 to 14.” Many hoteliers say this is a way of respecting the feelings of guests. If a customer feels uncomfortable, it can affect their business. According to a survey conducted in the US, more than 80% of hotels do not have a 13th room or a 13th floor. In some buildings, 12A or 14 is written after 12, so that the illusion remains that 13 was not skipped.

Science vs Superstition

In this age of science and logic, the fear of 13 seems surprising. Psychologists consider it a result of cultural conditioning. Delhi-based psychiatrist Dr Priya Mehta says, “Triskaidekaphobia is a learned fear. From childhood, stories and society teach us that 13 is unlucky. This fear is so deep that people are unable to see it with logic.”

However, not everyone believes in this superstition. Rahul Gupta, a Mumbai-based businessman who has room number 13 in his hotel, says, “I think it’s nonsense. Many of my guests have stayed in this room, and nothing bad has happened. It’s just a mind game.”

Superstition has deep roots

The fear of 13 is not just limited to hotels or buildings. Many airlines in the West do not have a 13th row on their flights. Some people avoid taking major decisions on the 13th, especially if it falls on a Friday. Even in India, where numerology and astrology dominate, there are mixed beliefs about 13. Some consider it unlucky, while others treat it as a normal number.

Pandit Ramesh Shastri, a Kolkata-based astrologer, says, “The effect of the number depends on the person’s belief. If you consider 13 unlucky, your fear may make it come true. But this is not a universal truth.”

What is the real truth?

The fear of number 13 has no scientific basis. This is a cultural and historical belief that has taken root in people’s minds over time. Despite the scientific progress of Western countries and the spirituality of Eastern countries, this example of superstition shows how complex the human mind is.
This superstition affects not only personal life, but also business and urban planning. The question is, will we ever be able to free ourselves from this fear, or will it remain a part of our thinking? The next time you book a room in a hotel and do not see the number 13, think – is this a superstition or just a tradition? The answer is probably hidden in your own belief.
This article is based on general information and cultural beliefs.