Friday the 13th Tattoos: How a Superstitious Date Became a Tattoo Lover’s Favorite Tradition
Friday the 13th. For many, it conjures images of bad luck, black cats, broken mirrors—and maybe even a hockey mask-wearing villain from a cult horror movie. But for tattoo lovers around the world, Friday the 13th means something completely different: a chance to score a small, spooky, and super-affordable tattoo during one of the ink world’s most iconic traditions.
Yes, we’re talking about Friday the 13th tattoos—a quirky, beloved, and slightly superstitious phenomenon that has transformed a once-dreaded date into a celebration of self-expression, art, and community. But where did this tradition come from? Why is it so popular? And what do these tiny tattoos mean?
Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating inked ritual.
What Are Friday the 13th Tattoos?
Friday the 13th tattoos are typically small, flash-style tattoos offered at a discounted price—usually $13, $31, or another symbolic number—on any Friday that falls on the 13th day of a month. Tattoo shops create special “flash sheets” filled with themed designs ranging from black cats and skulls to daggers, spiderwebs, and the number 13 itself.
The event usually follows a first-come, first-served format, with long lines of excited tattoo fans lining up outside parlors hours before doors open.
The vibe? Festive, fun, spooky, and unique.
A Brief History: Where Did It Start?
The tradition is believed to have been popularized in the 1990s by renowned tattoo artist Oliver Peck, who ran annual Friday the 13th flash events at his Dallas, Texas tattoo shop. His goal? To offer affordable tattoos and challenge the idea that 13 is unlucky.
In many ancient cultures, the number 13 actually represented power and transformation, not misfortune. So what better way to reclaim the superstition than by turning it into a creative, ink-filled celebration?
Over the decades, the idea spread like wildfire. Today, Friday the 13th tattoo events are a global ritual observed in cities big and small, and even some tattoo artists who usually work solo participate by offering flash deals through appointment or walk-in.
Why Do People Love Friday the 13th Tattoos?
🎉 1. The Experience
It’s not just about the tattoo—it’s about the thrill of the event. Waiting in line with strangers who love ink as much as you do, swapping stories, picking from the flash sheet—it’s communal and unforgettable.
💸 2. Affordable Ink
Let’s face it—tattoos can be expensive. But Friday the 13th events offer an entry point for first-timers or collectors looking to add something fun to their body art without breaking the bank.
😈 3. The Superstition Factor
Getting tattooed on a supposedly “unlucky” day? There’s a certain rebellious, ironic magic to it. It’s like daring the universe to give you bad luck—then flipping it the bird.
🎨 4. The Flash Art
The designs may be small, but they’re usually bold, cheeky, and super creative. Plus, there’s something nostalgic and timeless about flash tattoos.
Common Friday the 13th Tattoo Designs
While designs vary by shop and artist, some themes tend to appear again and again:
- The number 13 (plain, stylized, or hidden in other art)
- Black cats
- Spiderwebs
- Skulls and bones
- Coffins and gravestones
- Jason Voorhees masks (a nod to the Friday the 13th movies)
- Broken mirrors or dice
- Witches, potions, and bats
- Snakes, daggers, or occult symbols
These tattoos are often simple in detail but heavy in personality, making them perfect for placement on wrists, ankles, behind the ear, or near the collarbone.
The Meaning Behind the Ink
You might think a $13 skull tattoo is just a fun Friday thing, but for many people, these tattoos hold surprisingly deep meaning.
Here’s what they can represent:
- Facing fear head-on
- Rejecting bad luck or societal superstition
- Celebrating survival, transformation, or rebellion
- A memory of a fun or meaningful day
- Just love all things Halloween, spooky, or punk
In many ways, these tattoos are about taking control of the narrative. You’re choosing to make Friday the 13th your day, not a date to fear, but a date to celebrate.
What to Know Before Getting a Friday the 13th Tattoo
If you’re thinking about joining the fun, here are a few tips:
✅ 1. Arrive Early
These events are popular! Some shops start lines hours in advance, and slots fill quickly.
💬 2. Know the Rules
Most shops have rules: no custom designs, flash-only, arms/legs only, cash payments, etc. Follow the guidelines to make the process smooth.
🧼 3. Sanitation Still Matters
Even for quick, budget-friendly tattoos, hygiene and professionalism are critical. Pick a reputable shop with experienced artists.
🤝 4. Tip Generously
Tattoos might cost $13, but artists are still putting in work. If you can, tip well—it’s part of the culture.
Testimonials: Real Stories from Real Ink Fans
“My first tattoo was a tiny dagger I got on Friday the 13th. It was such a fun experience, and now I do it every year!” – Jess, 28
“I’ve collected five Friday the 13th tattoos—each one reminds me of a different version of myself. It’s like a spooky little diary on my skin.” – Andre, 35
“I got matching ‘13’ tattoos with my best friend before she moved away. It was cheap, fast, and unforgettable.” – Nina, 22
The Friday the 13th Tattoo Community
Part of the charm of Friday the 13th tattoos is that they’ve built a tight-knit community of fans who post, share, and connect over their ink. Check Instagram hashtags like #fridaythe13thtattoo, #13tattoo, or #flashfrid, a y and you’ll see thousands of people showing off their tiny masterpieces.
Tattoo shops also use these events to showcase new artists, build relationships with clients, and add something fun and fresh to their local culture.
Final Thoughts: Ink, Luck, and Identity
At first glance, Friday the 13th tattoos might seem like a trend or a gimmick. But dig deeper, and you’ll find something richer—an expression of individuality, creativity, and even courage.
Whether you’re marking a milestone, expressing your weird side, or just collecting cool art, these tattoos offer a chance to turn superstition into self-expression.
So next time the calendar strikes Friday the 13th, don’t hide under the covers—head to your local shop, roll up your sleeve and dare to get lucky.
Suggested Images (Visual Points):
- Tattoo flash sheet featuring Friday the 13th designs
- A crowd lined up outside a tattoo shop on Friday the 13th
- Close-up of a fresh small “13” tattoo on a wrist
- The artist is inking a black cat or skull design
- A collage of different Friday the 13th tattoos from social media
- Spooky shop decor with signs like “$13 Tattoos Today!”
- A couple or group of friends showing off matching 13 tattoos
- Instagram screenshot of #FridayThe13thTattoo posts
- A close-up of a Jason mask tattoo design
- Halloween-themed tattoo station set up with candles and skulls
