Numbers have held symbolic meaning and been used to represent concepts and ideas throughout history. This is especially true when it comes to the number 13. While many associate this number with bad luck, it has also been closely linked to love. So why has the number 13 come to signify love and romance? There are a few key reasons behind this connection.
The 13th card in the tarot deck is the Death card
In tarot, the Death card is not literally about death, but instead represents transformation, change, and transition. These concepts are very much aligned with love, which can be transformative and change a person’s life in profound ways. So the number 13, linked to the transformational Death card, took on associations with love and relationships.
It relates to the 13th letter M in the alphabet
The letter M is the 13th letter of the alphabet. It is also the first letter of words like “mate,” “marriage,” and “mine.” So again, we see a connection between the number 13 and concepts of love and partnership.
There are 13 weeks in a season
There are 13 weeks in each season of the year. The changing of the seasons, from spring to summer to fall to winter, represents cycles of life and nature. Love is very much intertwined with the cycles of life and the forces of nature.
In numerology, 1 + 3 = 4
When you add 1 and 3, you get 4. The number 4 is associated with stability and home in numerology. These are important foundations for strong, lasting love.
13 Prominent Examples of the Number 13 Representing Love
Let’s look at 13 key ways throughout history and culture that the number 13 has come to epitomize love:
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Apollo 13 | In the film Apollo 13, the number 13 suffers a malfunction, threatening the lives of the crew onboard. The crew makes it back safely, kept alive by the love and support of folks at NASA Mission Control. |
| 13 Months in the Mayan Calendar | The Mayan calendar was based on 13, rather than 12, months. The 13th month was known as “Wayeb” and was considered a time for love and relationships. |
| 13 Loops in a Hangman’s Noose | This odd connection relates to the “love until death” idea. A hangman’s noose was tied with 13 loops because it was believed to bring luck. |
| 13 Stripes on the American Flag | The 13 stripes represent the original 13 American colonies that came together in the bonds of unity and love for their fledgling country. |
| 13 Desserts in a Traditional Jewish Wedding | Jewish tradition calls for 13 desserts to be served at a wedding to represent the bride and groom’s love and sweetness. |
| 13 Gifts for a Pagan Handfasting | A pagan handfasting ceremony involves 13 gifts exchanged between the betrothed to honor their love. |
| 13th Anniversary: Lace | In modern wedding tradition, the 13th anniversary is symbolized by lace, an intricate, delicate fabric associated with romance. |
| Coven of 13 Witches | A coven of witches was traditionally comprised of 13 members. Witches were said to perform love spells and matchmaking. |
| 13 Cupid’s Arrows | Cupid, the Roman god of love and desire, was believed to possess 13 arrows with which he could inspire love. |
| 13 Roses: A Dozen + 1 | Giving 13 roses signifies a dozen roses, with one additional rose to mean “I love you.” |
| 13 Divisions of Aphrodite’s Temple | The ancient Temple of Aphrodite was divided into 13 sections, dedicated to the Greek goddess of love and beauty. |
| 13 Beats in a Lover’s Waltz | The waltz originated as a dance for couples in love, with 13 beats per step sequence. |
| Chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians | This famous Bible passage defines what love is: patient, kind, enduring, etc. |
Where Did the Number 13’s Unlucky Association Come From?
If 13 is so strongly connected to love, where did the idea of 13 being unlucky come from? There are a few theories on how the negative associations developed:
Links to Judas
Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th guest to join the table at the Last Supper. His betrayal led to Jesus’ crucifixion, giving 13 a reputation of being unholy, treacherous, and sinister.
The 13th Tarot Card is Death
As mentioned, in tarot the 13th card of the Major Arcana is the Death card. Some misinterpret this card, leading it to be viewed as a card representing physical death and destruction. However, Death’s true meaning is spiritual transformation.
13 was Seen as Exceeding Completion
12 is often viewed as a complete number. There are 12 months in the year, 12 zodiac signs, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 apostles of Jesus, etc. Going beyond 12 to 13 was seen as transgressing completion and wholeness.
The Last Supper Had 13 Guests
Christ’s last supper on Maundy Thursday had 13 guests in attendance, with the 13th guest (Judas) leading to the crucifixion on Good Friday. This cemented 13 as an ominous number in Christianity.
A Norse Myth Associated 13 with Evil
A Norse myth tells of a banquet held by 12 gods. Loki, the spirit of evil, gatecrashed the party as the 13th guest and caused the beloved god Balder to die.
13 was Linked to Witches
Witches were believed to congregate in groups of 13. This, combined with superstitions around Friday the 13th, demonized the number 13.
Why the Number 13 Endures as a Number of Love
While negative associations regarding the number 13 persist in superstitions and fears surrounding Friday the 13th, the positive view of 13 as a number representing love endures for several key reasons:
Love is Stronger than Fear
While people may harbor fears about the number 13, human love and connection is more powerful and enduring than any negative associations. The desire for partnership transcends superstition.
Cultural Tradition Upholds It
From 1 Corinthians 13 in the Bible to 13 loops on a hangman’s noose, the tradition of 13 symbolizing love continues on through cultural lore and legend over centuries. Tradition solidifies the meaning of 13 as love.
The Tarot Death Card Represents Transformation
While some misinterpret the Death card, those who understand the Tarot know Death represents the transformational power of love. This maintains 13’s association with romantic change.
It is Part of Human History
For centuries, humans have imbued the number 13 with meaning related to love. This long history makes the connection an indelible part of the human story. Love’s ability to transform lives leads people to embrace 13’s meaning.
Conclusion
While considered unlucky by some, the number 13 has enduring symbolic meaning related to love that persists to this day. From ancient gods like Cupid and Aphrodite to practices still upheld today like giving 13 roses, the connection between 13 and love is an integral part of culture and the human experience. Folklore, legend, religion, and practices worldwide reinforce 13 as a number representing the transformative power of love, a meaning that continues to endure despite any negative associations that also developed over time.