Superstition Smack Down: Friday the 13th vs. The Ides of March
Welcome to the SUPERSTITION SMACKDOWN! A battle to see which day holds the most doom, is the ultimate in unlucky, is the time to truly tremble! Â IN ONE CORNER... Weighing in on March 15th... The Ides of March! IN THE OTHER... A day that can pop up anytime on the calendar... Friday the 13th!
In 3 rounds, we will see which ominous day reigns supreme...
The Ides of March is more associated with betrayal and the realization of dooming prophecies. Friday the 13th , on the other hand, is just generally thought to bring unlucky consequences.
To clarify the difference, here are some examples:
Which unfortunate occurrence stings worse?
WINNER: The Ides of March
Ignoring the red flags has its consequences on March 15
The Ides of March's claim to fame is Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar, written in 1599, which is still studied in schools worldwide. "Beware the Ides of March" is the day's well known motto thanks to a brief appearance by one character, the Soothsayer.
Other more pop cultural references include the 2011 film starring George Clooney and Ryan Gosling, which ties in the political significance of the Ides of March. There is also a delicious whiskey cocktail named after this day.
Friday the 13th, on the other hand, has inspired the fantasy comedy film, Freaky Friday, and an entire horror movie franchise starring the iconic villain, Jason Vorhees.
Probably the most significant impact is that the number 13 is purposely excluded in buildings' floors, airplanes' rows, and even towns' streets because… well, why take the risk?
Which superstition is more widespread?
WINNER: Friday the 13th
Fact: Even the About.com building has 34 floors, but "skips" the 13th.
March 15th was notable in Ancient Rome because it marked a new calendar year due to the full moon. However, it became an ominous day specifically in 44 B.C. when the legendary Roman emperor Julius Caesar was stabbed to death by supposedly loyal members of his Senate. Â Accounts by the ancient historian Plutarch claim Caesar was actually warned by a "seer" to not go to this meeting.
Friday the 13th's origins aren't as clear. Most evidence suggests the superstition began on October 13, 1307, when King Philip IV of France arrested the Knights of Templar because he felt threatened by their growing influence. Hundreds of soldiers from this Christian Order were accused of crimes, tortured into false confessions, and burned at the stake.
Which historical occurrence is more threatening?
WINNER: The Ides of March
Who can you trust, when you can't trust your friends?
In 3 rounds, we will see which ominous day reigns supreme...
1. Round 1: The Beliefs
The Ides of March is more associated with betrayal and the realization of dooming prophecies. Friday the 13th , on the other hand, is just generally thought to bring unlucky consequences.
To clarify the difference, here are some examples:
- Your S.O. has been acting a little distant and unaccountable lately (the prophecy). You find out he or she is cheating on you on the Ides of March (the betrayal).
- You and your S.O. have an explosive argument. He or she later runs into their long lost love on Friday the 13th (generally, unlucky for you).
Which unfortunate occurrence stings worse?
WINNER: The Ides of March
Ignoring the red flags has its consequences on March 15
2. Round 2: The Cultural Impact
The Ides of March's claim to fame is Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar, written in 1599, which is still studied in schools worldwide. "Beware the Ides of March" is the day's well known motto thanks to a brief appearance by one character, the Soothsayer.
Other more pop cultural references include the 2011 film starring George Clooney and Ryan Gosling, which ties in the political significance of the Ides of March. There is also a delicious whiskey cocktail named after this day.
Friday the 13th, on the other hand, has inspired the fantasy comedy film, Freaky Friday, and an entire horror movie franchise starring the iconic villain, Jason Vorhees.
Probably the most significant impact is that the number 13 is purposely excluded in buildings' floors, airplanes' rows, and even towns' streets because… well, why take the risk?
Which superstition is more widespread?
WINNER: Friday the 13th
Fact: Even the About.com building has 34 floors, but "skips" the 13th.
3. Round 3: The Origins
March 15th was notable in Ancient Rome because it marked a new calendar year due to the full moon. However, it became an ominous day specifically in 44 B.C. when the legendary Roman emperor Julius Caesar was stabbed to death by supposedly loyal members of his Senate. Â Accounts by the ancient historian Plutarch claim Caesar was actually warned by a "seer" to not go to this meeting.
Friday the 13th's origins aren't as clear. Most evidence suggests the superstition began on October 13, 1307, when King Philip IV of France arrested the Knights of Templar because he felt threatened by their growing influence. Hundreds of soldiers from this Christian Order were accused of crimes, tortured into false confessions, and burned at the stake.
Which historical occurrence is more threatening?
WINNER: The Ides of March
Who can you trust, when you can't trust your friends?