Happy Friday the 13th! Los Angeles is a city known for many things, including its sunny weather, glamorous celebrities, and world-class attractions. But did you know that it’s also the home of one of the most iconic horror franchises of all time? Friday the 13th was born in Hollywood in 1980, and it has been terrifying audiences ever since.
But where did the superstition of Friday the 13th come from? And how did it inspire a series of films about a masked killer who stalks teenagers at Camp Crystal Lake?
The Origins of Friday the 13th
The fear of Friday the 13th has its roots in both Christianity and Norse mythology. In Christianity, the number 13 is often associated with bad luck because there were 13 guests at the Last Supper, and Judas Iscariot was the 13th guest.
In Norse mythology, the number 13 is also associated with bad luck because it was the number of guests at a feast where Loki, the trickster god, caused a brawl that resulted in the death of Balder, the god of light and joy.
The superstition of Friday the 13th is thought to have originated in the 14th century, when King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest and execution of all members of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307. The Knights Templar were a powerful and wealthy order of knights who had been accused of heresy and treason.
The arrest and execution of the Knights Templar was a major event, and it helped to solidify the superstition of Friday the 13th as a day of bad luck.
Friday the 13th in the Movies
The first Friday the 13th film was released in 1980, and it was a huge success. The film starred Betsy Palmer as Pamela Voorhees, a grieving mother who seeks revenge on the camp counselors who she believes are responsible for the death of her son, Jason.
The film was a critical and commercial success, and it spawned a franchise that has 12 films, including a crossover film with the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, and a remake.
The Friday the 13th films are known for their graphic violence and their iconic villain, Jason Voorhees. Jason is a masked killer who stalks teenagers at Camp Crystal Lake, and he is one of the most recognizable horror movie characters of all time.
The Friday the 13th Legacy
The Friday the 13th franchise has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The films have been referenced in countless other films, TV shows, and video games. And the character of Jason Voorhees has become a symbol of horror and terror.
Even though the horror films are known for their graphic violence, they also have a sense of humor. The films are often self-aware, and they poke fun at the conventions of the horror genre.
Friday the 13th in Los Angeles
The Friday the 13th films have been filmed all over the Los Angeles area, including Franklin Canyon Park, Topanga Canyon, Thousand Oaks, West Hills, and Universal Studios.
Bottom Line
Friday the 13th is a day that is steeped in superstition and suspense. And it’s a day that has inspired one of the most iconic horror franchises of all time.
Whether you’re a fan of the films or not, there’s no denying that Friday the 13th is a cultural phenomenon. And it’s a day that is sure to give you a chill down your spine.
Happy Friday the 13th! So, what can you do in Los Angeles to celebrate?
Here are a few ideas:
- Watch a Friday the 13th marathon at one of Los Angeles’ Rooftop Cinema Club’s screenings, or on your couch at home.
- Visit one of the iconic locations from the films.
- Have a Friday the 13th themed party with your friends.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, make sure to be careful on Friday the 13th. You never know when Jason Voorhees might strike!
