Friday the Thirteenth, the most notorious of all days for being extra spook-tacular! Are you aware of the tales behind the date that is deemed so unlucky? Did you know that your favorite island is filled with fear when it comes to superstitions?
Even though the exact origin of Friday the Thirteenth is yet to be specified, there are a multitude of theories that describe possible causes for birthing the famous event. According to an article published on the International Business Times, the number thirteen isn’t the only one considered unlucky…
“Friday has also long been considered an unlucky day. One theory hypothesizes that Friday has been considered unlucky because Jesus was crucified on a Friday according to Christian Scripture and tradition. Another states that the superstition regarding Friday comes from Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, published in the 14th century, where Friday is considered a day of misfortune and ill luck. In numerous publications in the 17th century, Friday the 13th was outlined as an unlucky day to take a trip, to begin a new project or to have a major life change (such as a birth, a marriage, among other events).”
Although you probably feel like you hit the jackpot, because you get to lounge on our beautiful white sandy beaches and dip your toes in the crystal clear Caribbean waters, the locals would tell you to BEWARE when it comes to Aruban superstitions. The following is a list of a few of the many superstitions shared by the One Happy Island community…
- “No pone sapato riba mesa, mala suerte ta bini pabo” – “Don’t put shoes on tables, bad luck will come your way”
- “No pone tas riba vloer paso placa ta core bay” – “Don’t put bags on the ground, money will run away” (or you will be presented with many debts)
- “No laga basora mishi bo pia ora nan ta bari vloer, sino bo no ta casa nunka” – “Don’t let a broom touch your feet when they are sweeping with it, otherwise you’ll never get married”
- “No yora pornada, paso bo ta yama spirito” – “Don’t cry for nothing, because spirits will come for you”
- And last, but not least: beware of French Man’s Pass, a.k.a Franse Pas. They say if you’re passing through this route at night, especially past 12am, you might see spirits on the side of the road.
If you are curious to know more creepy tales, don’t be afraid to check in with your tour guide on what other stories they might know. You can also go ahead and ask the next local you see about typical Aruban superstitions and ghost stories. Promise you won’t be disappointed. There are so many that you’ll definitely get to hear some new tales to share with your fellow Aruba lovers!
For more fun facts and frequent updates on the One Happy Island, and the local perspective, follow the VisitAruba Blog.
