One of the longest-running urban legends believed by people all over the world is that Friday the 13th brings terrible bad luck. But if you’re one of those rare gems who ignores these myths, then Friday the 13th tattoos might pique your interest. Whether you’re a seasoned tattoo enthusiast looking for new creative body art designs or someone who loves all things spooky and Halloween, this article is for you. Learn about the common Friday the 13th motifs and their meanings so that you can design your own spine-chilling tattoo. Scroll down and step into the shocking horror world of Friday the 13th tattoos, where superstition and style collide in the best possible way!
Meaning of a friday the 13th tattoo
Friday the 13th tattoos are a tradition in tattoo culture, especially in Western countries, where tattoo parlors offer discounts on flash tattoos on Friday the 13th. To break down the meaning behind these tattoos, you first need to understand where the superstition comes from. In Norse mythology, it is believed that 13 people should not dine together at a table, as it brings bad luck. The story goes that 12 gods were dining together in Valhalla. Although he was not invited, Loki showed up and, as usual, created chaos, which led to one god killing the other, causing the entire earth to go dark and mourn his loss.
It is also believed that this superstition has its origins in Christianity. Jesus’ last supper was eaten by 13 people, including himself. This led to him being crucified on a Friday. Another incident was that the Templars were arrested by King Philip IV on October 13, 1307, a Friday.
In addition, many other bad things happened on this date that reinforce belief in the urban legends, such as the death of rapper Tupac Shakur and the infamous cyclone in Bangladesh that claimed almost 300,000 lives.
But instead of focusing on the scary superstition, Oliver Beck, a judge on a TV show called Ink Master, decided to make it a popular thing in the tattoo world. He tattooed the number 13 on approximately 415 people in a 24-hour period. He was inspired by sailors who would get the same tattoo as a way to ward off bad luck. This made Friday the 13th a popular sight in the tattoo world. Many tattoo parlors, especially in the US, hold special events on the superstitious date with deals on prices that revolve around the numbers 1 and 3.
Since then, many tattoo enthusiasts have embraced the tradition of getting these tattoos for various reasons, such as:
Superstition: Some people get Friday the 13th tattoos to challenge or mock superstition, while others get them to protect against bad luck. Some get them as a tribute to the Thirteen Club, founded by Captain William Fowler, who wanted to remove the fear behind superstition. Flash designs: Many tattoo parlors on this day typically use flash designs, also known as pre-drawn stencils, which are often smaller and simpler than custom tattoos. These designs can incorporate common themes such as black cats, skulls, spiders, or other spooky imagery associated with superstition and the supernatural. Movies and Halloween: These tattoos also often feature designs inspired by the Friday the 13th film franchise, such as the iconic hockey mask and other elements associated with Jason Voorhees. These designs add to the spooky atmosphere of the event and celebrate the cultural significance of the films in tattoo culture. Taylor Swift: The singer believes 13 is her lucky number. She has often left Easter eggs in her songs that revolve around the number and even released the Eras Movie Tour on October 13, 2023, a Friday. Many swifties have gotten tattoos of the date to commemorate the singer’s success and their adoration for her.
Overall, the meaning behind Friday the 13th tattoos can be versatile, ranging from a playful disdain for superstition to a celebration of community and tradition within the tattoo world, as explained in the next section. Check them out.
8 Scary Friday The 13th Tattoo Ideas and Their Meanings
Discover 8 Friday the 13th tattoo designs, each with a unique meaning. Perfect for anyone who wants to embrace superstition with style.
1. Traditional Friday the 13th tattoo
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This traditional upper arm tattoo features a captivating mix of Gothic and Halloween motifs. A Gothic gypsy woman framed by intricate floral vines and accompanied by a pumpkin takes center stage in this mystical tattoo. Legend has it that the Romani people (commonly known as Gypsies or Nomads) believed that pumpkins would undergo a vampiric transformation on a full moon night. The burnt orange and gray color palette is likely to create a striking visual impact, evoking a sense of mystery and seduction.
2. Small Friday the 13th tattoo
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This small Friday the 13th tattoo features a menacing skull surrounded by three tiny bats hovering above it. The dark black tones, etched with a stippling technique, exude a truly rugged vibe. This compact yet detailed design captures the essence of Halloween, making it a striking addition for any lover of the spooky and stylish. The intricacy invites fascination, while the darkness draws the eye.
3. Crescent moon friday the 13th tattoo
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Embrace the mysterious with a crescent moon Friday the 13th tattoo, delicately etched on the forearm. This minimalist design of a crescent moon with a lone bat flying around is reminiscent of the legend of Dracula. This simple yet captivating design captures the magic of a spooky night, a subtle ode to the allure of darkness.
4. Friday the 13th Snake Tattoo
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Not all Friday the 13th tattoos have to be scary. Take a cue from this snake tattoo, which has a charmingly cute appearance. A coiled diamondback snake, scaled with geometric designs, elegantly adorns the forearm. The black scales glisten with a playful appeal, perfect for adorning your skin with a touch of Halloween enchantment. This delightfully simple design will add a touch of personality to your Halloween outfit, embodying both charm and creepiness in equal measure.
5. Friday the 13th Jason Voorhees Tattoo
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Prepare for a spine-chilling experience with a Friday the 13th Jason Voorhees tattoo, etched eerily on your upper arm. The title character Jason Voorhees appears in a traditional style with bold black lines, exuding pure fear. His menacing silhouette wields a knife, evoking a sense of impending doom. Eerie markings give the design an air of foreboding, while delicate rose blooms pay homage to the film Rose Blood. Ideal for Halloween, this tattoo captures the essence of fear and fascination.
6. Friday the 13th Camp Crystal Lake Tattoo
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Put your own spin on the classic Camp Crystal Lake tattoo. Instead of just including Jason Voorhees in the menacing campsite, why not etch yourself as the scary title character? In this tattoo, you can see the trees and lake of the infamous and deadly campsite. In the story, Jason was bullied and thrown into the campsite lake, which is how his villainous arc began. This tattoo is a beautiful tribute to the story while still being personal. You can personalize the design further by adding additional motifs, such as the roses.
7. The Minimalist Friday The 13th Tattoo
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This Friday the 13th tattoo series wouldn’t be complete without a clean, simple, and detailed design of Jason Voorhees himself. While the character is a complete terror, his origin story of being bullied for a disfigured face touches the hearts of many. In the films, Jason seems to emerge from the darkness to rage at his victims, as depicted in this tattoo.
8. Friday the 13th Mickey Mouse Themed Tattoo
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Celebrate Friday the 13th with a quirky twist with a Mickey Mouse themed tattoo. This unique design combines the charm of Disney with the creepy appeal of the Friday the 13th series. It gives you an idea of what a furious Mickey Mouse would look like. You can add a scary twist to any of your favorite character tattoos in a similar way, rather than committing to a whole new Friday the 13th body art piece. It’s a delightful mix of fun and superstition, perfect for those who enjoy a touch of whimsy on this ominous occasion.
Friday the 13th tattoos offer a delightful mix of superstition and style, providing a canvas to express personality and embrace the spookiness of this spooky day. Whether you’re fascinated by traditional gothic motifs or prefer whimsical Mickey Mouse-themed designs, each tattoo encapsulates a unique story and invites you to celebrate the magic of Friday the 13th in your own way. So, surrender to the allure of these cute tattoo ideas and let your skin become a playful canvas of charm and superstition.
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