Do you ever worry that something bad will happen on Friday the 13th? Legend has it that this day symbolizes bad luck, both from Biblical text and pop culture perspectives. Over the centuries, several traumatic events have occurred on Friday the 13th—from King Philip IV of France’s arresting the Knights Templar in the 12th century to the death of rapper Tupac Shakur in 1996.
Believe it or not, a New Yorker in the late-1800s actually tried to reverse the longstanding superstition around the number 13. Captain William Fowler founded an exclusive society called the Thirteen Club, where he and 13 buddies would gather at his tavern, The Kinckerbocker Cottage, in Room 13 on the 13th day of the month to eat a 13-course dinner. On the way to their seats, club members walked underneath a ladder and banner saying Morituri te Salutamus (Latin for “Those of us who are about to die salute you!”)
The dinner ritual became so popular that four former U.S. presidents (Arthur, Cleveland, Harrison, and T. Roosevelt) participated in Captain Fowler’s unique tradition over the years, which just goes to show that sharing good food with great friends can redeem a bad day! So, whether you plan to steer clear of “bad luck” or decide to embrace the creepy connotations of Friday the 13th, we at A.C. Legg, Inc., hope that you will forget your fears and enjoy the variety of seasonings we offer to help bring your food to life! #Journeyto100