No, we're not crazy. We're launching Tulipon tomorrow on Indiegogo!
When we realized that we had to change the launch date of Tulipon from October 10th (see here why), we thought about it and decided that Friday the 13th would be a good day to do it. You may think we’re crazy, because many people are afraid of Friday the 13th, which is called Paraskevidekatriaphobia. This date has been considered unlucky around the world for centuries. So why did we decide to do this and why do we think this is a great day to launch?
First a brief history of Friday the 13th
It is often considered a rare phenomenon for Friday and the 13th of the month to coincide. However, statistically, Friday is the most common day for the 13th of the month to occur. This is because our Gregorian calendar has a pattern that repeats every 400 years, including days, weeks, and months. During this period, there are 688 Fridays the 13th, so some people might say, “Just our luck!
Although the exact origin of this superstition is unclear, studies indicate that it can be traced back to Norse mythology (c. 790- c. 1100 A.D.). When Loki, the troublemaking god, infiltrated a celebration in Valhalla, he brought the total number of gods there to 13. Tricked by Loki, the blind god Hodr shot his brother Balder with a mistletoe-tipped arrow, instantly killing the god of light, joy, and goodness.
This belief became widely accepted at the beginning of the Christian era. The story of the Last Supper, which took place on Maundy Thursday with Jesus Christ and his disciples, cemented the power of this superstition. Judas Iscariot, the 13th and most notorious guest to arrive, betrayed Jesus, who was crucified on Good Friday.
In biblical tradition, the concept of unlucky Fridays goes back even further than the crucifixion. Friday is believed to be the day Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, Cain murdered his brother Abel, the Temple of Solomon was destroyed, and Noah’s Ark set sail in the Great Flood.
So, why did we choose this day to launch the Tulipon, an innovative period product that is poised to revolutionize women’s health and change menstruation forever?
Because Friday the 13th actually has a longer, more ancient history of good omens and positive symbolism than it does of “bad luck”.
As advocates for women’s rights, menstrual health and feminine power, we chose this day specifically to focus on the luck and femininity associated with Friday and the number 13.
Friday is believed to have a unique association with the divine feminine. The word Friday, which comes from Old English, means “the day of Frigg. Frigg was the queen of Asgard and a powerful sky goddess in Norse mythology, associated with love, marriage, and motherhood.
Frigg protected families and homes, kept order in society, and could control fate. She could also predict the future and determine fertility. In contrast, Freyja, often confused with Frigg, was the goddess of love, fertility, and war, and possessed magical abilities to foresee the future and determine sacrifices. She was reported to ride a chariot drawn by two black cats. These goddesses were widely worshipped throughout Europe. Because of their associations, Norse and Germanic peoples considered Friday a lucky day for marriage.
In addition, the number 13 symbolizes blood, fertility, and lunar power, and is considered a lucky number by the Great Goddess. Thirteen has a strong association with women, as it represents the average number of menstrual cycles per year and the approximate number of lunar cycles per year. When making offerings, Chinese women traditionally place 13 mooncakes on the plate.
Our deliberate choice aligns with the positive connotations associated with Friday the 13th, specifically its unique connection to the divine feminine. By launching Tulipon on this auspicious day, Friday, October 13, 2023, we aim to empower women to embrace the divine feminine throughout their menstrual journey and beyond.