UNLUCKY "13."

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 192, 15 August 1925, Page 18

UNLUCKY "13."

HOW THE SUPERSTITION BEGAN.

The superstitious significance of the number 13 is, of course, religious in its origin, the principal event which gave rise to it being the Last Supper, at which thirteen were present. The fact spread through Europe when the minds of the people were peculiarly receptive of superstitions. By many odd numbers are beljeved to bring luck, but they make an exception of 13. This appears inconsistent.

The number 13 played a curious part in the life of Richard "Wagner. He was born in 1813. The numerals of the year of his birth added together mmake thirteen, and ne was given a name (Richard), the letters of which added to those of his Jamily name (Wagner) also make thirteen. The famous composer finished "The Flying Dutchman" on September 13, 1841, and completed "Tannhauser" on April 13, l§Ui The scoring of "Das Rheingold" was' concluded on May 13, 1854, and that of "Parsifal" on January 13,-1882.' '■■',"-■■ '■•'''..

Wagner was exiled from. Germany for thirteen years, and;- realised his fondest ambition of giving, his ; own operas in Paris with a production of "Tannhauser" on March 13, 1876, while the first performance of "The Ring" complete, at Bayreuth, was given on August 13, 1876. -

Thirteen was the number of complete operas composed by Wagner, whose death—to complete a remarkable numerical sequence—occurred on February 13, 1883.