13 of the coolest Friday the 13th tattoo ideas
Planning on getting a Friday the 13th tattoo? Here's some inspiration...
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Believe it or not, Friday the 13th tattoos are a thing. The spooky date may symbolise the unluckiest day of the year, but for tattoo parlours it's quite the opposite.
Over the last few decades, a special tradition has developed in which tattoo parlours offer limited-edition flash tattoos at a discounted price (often $13 per tattoo with a $7 tip) every Friday the 13th - also known as Friday the 13th flash tattoos. The deal has become the ultimate incentive for people to get inked up on the day, especially those who like delicate pieces with a gothic twist.
Why are Friday the 13th tattoos a thing?
Traditionally, the idea is that tattoo parlours and artists offer a selection of small designs on a flash sheet which incorporate the number '13' or some sort of Halloween-esque theme, from skulls and witch hands to black cats.
While it isn't known who exactly started the trend, some people credit sailors. Speaking to VICE, a Dallas-based tattoo artist named Oliver Peck explained that because the number has always been considered bad luck, sailors would get "13" tattooed as an antidote, to keep bad luck away. "Bad luck would come your way, it would see the number 13, see that bad luck is already there, and it would pass on by," he told the publication.
As time has passed, however, people have started to stir away from the original concept of getting a themed tattoo and simply use the day as an excuse to get some new work done, making the most of the discounted prices - after all, tattoos don't come cheap.
So, if you're thinking about getting one to mark the occasion this year, here are a few pieces to help inspire your Friday the 13th tattoo...
Friday the 13th tattoo ideas
A photo posted by @forqueerwomen on Oct 31, 2020 at 1:54am PDT
A photo posted by @loverseyetattoo on Mar 23, 2020 at 11:35pm PDT
I dont know what’s happening with the world right now , but i wish ya all a safe day , #madness2020 #friday13thtattoo efren davis⚡ (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by @eazyhood_e on Mar 14, 2020 at 1:03pm PDT
A photo posted by A post shared by @ on on Oct 23, 2020 at 12:21pm PDT
A photo posted by @thimo.derks on Oct 10, 2020 at 7:42am PDT
A photo posted by @thimo.derks on Oct 7, 2020 at 7:08am PDT
🥀 Artist: @allday_dakum . . . . . . Follow tattoo page: @swisstattoolovers Fo get featured use the #swisstattoolovers Swiss Tattoo Lovers (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by @swisstattoolovers on Oct 28, 2020 at 9:48am PDT
A photo posted by @snaxink on Oct 28, 2019 at 8:10am PDT
A photo posted by @thimo.derks on Oct 5, 2020 at 7:01am PDT
A photo posted by @thimo.derks on Sep 23, 2020 at 6:24am PDT
I looove this healed tattoo I saw today 🌞✨ thanks for coming back x • STICKS NOT STONES LONDON (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by @sticks.not.stones on Aug 6, 2020 at 1:43am PDT
A photo posted by @thimo.derks on Sep 5, 2020 at 6:56am PDT
A photo posted by @thimo.derks on Aug 31, 2020 at 5:04am PDT
Sagal is a journalist, specialising in lifestyle, pop culture, fashion and beauty. She has written for a number of publications including Vogue, Glamour, Stylist, Evening Standard, Bustle, You Magazine, Dazed and Wonderland to name a few.
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