Friday the 13th & Tattoos
We attended Asbury Pride Parade and had a great time! We raised $50 for Rainbow Railroad and plan on participating again next year with more items to raffle off! With our Friday the 13th Flash day coming up, lets dive into the history of the date and tattoos. The Asbury Tattoo Fest will be happening in July this year and 3 of our artists will be in attendance! Caroline, Koryn and Casey will all be there tattooing, so come get a tattoo, or just stop by and say “Hi!”
Lucky Ink: The History and Hype Behind Friday the 13th Tattoos
For most people, Friday the 13th brings to mind black cats, broken mirrors, and bad luck. But in the tattoo world, it’s a day of celebration, long lines, and cheap flash. Tattoo shops across the country open their doors to eager clients hoping to score a $13 tattoo (plus a mandatory lucky $7 tip, of course). But how did this quirky tradition start—and why has it become such a beloved ritual in the tattoo community?
Let’s dig into the origins, the symbolism, and the enduring popularity of Friday the 13th tattoos.
Where It All Began
The Friday the 13th tattoo tradition is widely credited to renowned tattooer Oliver Peck, co-owner of Elm Street Tattoo in Dallas, Texas. Peck began hosting Friday the 13th events in the mid-1990s as a nod to old-school tattooing and superstition. He offered small, pre-designed tattoos for just $13, and the event quickly became a hit.
What started as a fun gimmick soon evolved into a global tattoo phenomenon. Today, tattoo shops from Brooklyn to Berlin participate, with some even staying open for 24-hour marathons, slinging hundreds of tattoos in a single day.
Why 13? From Cursed to Cool
The number 13 has long been considered unlucky in Western culture—skipped on elevators, feared by gamblers, and associated with doom. But for tattooers and collectors, 13 represents the exact opposite: good luck, rebellion, and protection from evil.
In traditional tattooing, a “13” is a kind of talisman, often paired with skulls, black cats, coffins, or daggers. Sailors would get the number inked to ward off bad luck at sea. In modern times, tattooing 13 is like flipping the bird to fear itself—reclaiming the symbol as one of power and defiance.
What to Expect: Flash, Fast, and Fun
Friday the 13th tattoos are usually flash tattoos—small, pre-designed pieces meant to be done quickly and efficiently. They often feature black cats, coffins, skulls, the number 13, horseshoes, daggers, or spiders. Also, goofy or spooky themes like ghosts, tombstones, or “13” incorporated in creative ways.
These designs are intentionally simple, classic, and affordable—part of the tradition's appeal. It’s about getting something fun, impulsive, and tied to a specific moment in time.
Our Friday the 13th flash can be seen here!
More Than a Gimmick: A Rite of Passage
For many, a Friday the 13th tattoo is their first tattoo—a spontaneous decision made with friends, fueled by adrenaline and excitement. For seasoned collectors, it’s a fun addition to a growing patchwork of flash and a badge of loyalty to tattoo culture.
Tattooers often see Friday the 13th as a way to give back to their communities, offering accessible tattoos while showcasing their signature styles. It’s chaotic, sure—but also a celebration of the art form’s roots: fast, bold, and built on connection.
Tips for Surviving (and Enjoying) the Day
Arrive early – Popular shops can have lines down the block. We take appointments for flash day to keep the waiting to a minimum.
Bring cash – Many shops don’t take cards for flash events. We take cash and cards.
Be respectful – Tattooers are working hard, fast, and under pressure.
Tip well – That $13 deal doesn’t reflect the real value of their time and skill.
Know what you're getting – Flash means no changes, so pick something you’ll enjoy.
From Superstition to Subculture
Friday the 13th may be rooted in fear, but in the tattoo world, it’s flipped on its head. What was once a day to avoid has become one to look forward to—a chance to celebrate tattoo history, score a fun design, and participate in a tradition that turns superstition into style.
Whether you’re superstitious or just super into tattoos, Friday the 13th is a great reminder: sometimes the best memories (and ink) come from doing something a little spontaneous, a little weird, and a little bit magical.
Happy Friday the 13th—may your ink be lucky and your lines be short! 🖤
