Final answer:
Donald Dossey traces the origins of Friday the 13th to Norse mythology and the events of the Knights Templar.
Step-by-step explanation:
Donald Dossey traces the origins of Friday the 13th back to ancient Norse mythology. In Norse mythology, twelve gods were having a dinner party in Valhalla when the mischievous god Loki crashed the party, making the 13th guest. As a result, the god Balder was killed, bringing about bad luck associated with the number 13.
Another theory Dossey proposes is related to the events of the Knights Templar. On Friday, October 13, 1307, King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of all Templar knights. This event was a significant blow to the Knights Templar, leading to their downfall and forming the basis for the superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th.
These historical events have contributed to the modern-day superstitions associated with Friday the 13th, making it an infamous day of bad luck.
Learn more about origins of Friday the 13th