Friday the 13th in October: What it means and how people are celebrating in North Jersey

What's more eerie than a Friday the 13th in October?

That's right, the second Friday the 13th of 2023 lands in October. This match up has only happened three other times since 2000, with the last Friday the 13th in October being in 2017. And, the next time this will happen won't be until 2028.

What is the meaning of Friday the 13th?

Similarly to the superstitions of walking under a ladder, breaking a mirror or crossing paths with a black cat, Friday the 13th has a long history of being considered a bad and unlucky day. (The Bible's Last Supper had 13 guests — and Jesus' crucifixion was on a Friday.) But it broke in to popular culture after the publication of "Friday, the Thirteenth," a 1907 novel about a stockbroker who — because of the superstitions around it – chooses that day to start a chain of events that crash the market.

There are even words created to describe the fear of Friday the 13th — paraskevidekatriaphobia and friggatriskaidekaphobia — as well as just for fear over the number 13: triskaidekaphobia. Try to say those words three times fast, or at all.

'Friday the 13th' movie sparks more interest

And then there's the film.

Today, the day has become more widely celebrated among fans of the famous slash film, unironically named "Friday the 13th," as opposed to being known for its bad luck.

Mike Wishnia, owner of Blairstown Diner, where part of the film was shot, said that while people tend to be superstitious about the day, their perception of that day is only positive.

"It's amazing to me to see how people come from all different parts of the country and from different parts of other countries," he said. "We get more business on Friday the 13th from those visiting the town, and people will come to the diner dressed as Jason."

One of those people is Brian Emenheiser, who is known for his Jason Voorhees cosplay as South Jersey Jason.

"Obviously there's that superstition behind Friday the 13th. But, to me, it's the Friday the 13th franchise,"Emenheiser, who is 43 and lives in Allentown, Pennsylvania. "The coolest thing is the fact that a franchise that has been going on for 40 plus years started in New Jersey. I feel like when you go into town and in certain parts of the town where the movie was filmed, you're stepping back in time."

Emenheiser, who has been hired to stand in engagement shoots, family photos and even in the background of a wedding, said that for him, any Friday the 13th is like having an extra holiday during the year.

"I know people who are principals of high schools or pastors, and they're diehard Friday the 13th fans," he said. "I've met so many great people and they come from all over the world."

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Celebrate Friday the 13th at Blairstown Diner

Blairstown Diner will be hosting a Friday the 13th celebration this Friday, with activities like face painting, hatchet throwing and a bloody pie eating contest. There will also be vendors, as well as a Friday the 13th-inspired menu at the diner.

"We're partnering with Spirit Halloween, and we're going to be donating part of the proceeds to their nonprofit organization, Spirit Kids," Wishnia said.

Emenheiser said he'll be in attendance at the event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. as South Jersey Jason, and will be performing wedding vow renewals at 11 a.m.

Those who sign up for this get a Friday the 13th themed renewal — and one that's legitimate, as Emenheiser is ordained — as well as a certificate and a voucher for 10% off their meal at the Blairstown Diner.

"This year, I think I have six or seven couples. We go behind the diner along the creek and I set up a shrine that has Mrs. Voorhees' severed head, her sweater and things like that," he said. "It's a really cool ambiance. Last year I had like six other Jason's with me."

Things to do on Friday the 13th

If you're looking for a way to ring in the ultimate Friday the 13th this week, here's some things you can do on the day:

Visit Camp Crystal Lake

If you're looking to visit a site of where "Friday the 13th" was filmed, in addition to Blairstown Diner, Camp Crystal Lake is the place. The camp — which is actually called Camp NoBeBoSco, despite being better known for its fictional name — is offering several different tour experiences.

They include a shorter lakefront tour, taking visitors directly to the movie's filming locations around their famous lakefront area, as well as an extended tour where visitors can also get a look at the famous camp where more than 80% of the film was made.

There's also an overnight experience, which includes a full tour of the camp, dinner, a movie screening and an overnight stay in a movie cabin from Oct. 12 into Oct. 13.

Tickets for these tours are limited, and most have already sold out. But, don't worry, you can enter their future ticket waitlist to be notified when future events are announced.

See the original "Friday the 13th" movie

What better way to spend Friday the 13th than by watching the original slasher film?

Roy's Hall in Blairstown holds a screening of the film every the Friday the 13th, and this time is no different. There will be two screenings, one at 6:30 p.m. and one at 9 p.m.

Go: 30 Main Street, Blairstown; 908-362-1399

Roller skate with Jason

If you're looking for something a little closer to home, Branch Brook Park Skating Center in Newark will be hosting "Skate with Jason" on Friday the 13th.

The event, which is open to all ages, will be held from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a night of skating with a spooky theme, and might even have a run in with the slasher himself.

Tickets are $18 for admission and skate rentals, $12 for admission without a skate rental and $5 for spectators.

Go: Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center, 7th Avenue and Clifton Avenue, Newark; 973-482-8900

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Friday the 13th is coming, but what does it mean?