Hi, everyone!
Firstly, it’s Friday the 13th! Did you ever wonder why Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day? Well, a suggested origin of the superstition dates back to Friday, October 13th 1307 when King Philip IV ordered hundreds of French Templars to be captured and arrested. The templars were charged with numerous offenses, seemingly without basis – but King Philip used these allegations as a convenient pretext to persecute the wealthy order, so that he wouldn’t have to pay debts he owed them following war with England. The Catholic crusaders were tortured into admitting heresy and other sacrilegious offenses in the Order.
Charged with moral and financial corruption and worshipping false idols – many of the knights were later burnt at the stake.
The order’s Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, faced the flames in front of Notre Dame Cathedral and is said to have cried out a curse on those who had so gravely wronged them: “God knows who is wrong and has sinned. Soon a calamity will occur to those who have condemned us to death.”
◊
Holy warriors
Guiltless men engulfed in flames
Old hex haunts our days
◊
◊
Did you know that the fear of Friday the 13th Phobia is called – Paraskevidekatriaphobia? Now that’s a word for a game of hangman.
◊
Old and Days are this week’s prompt words chosen by Ronovan Hester of Ronovan Writes.
Ron hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge every Monday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your haiku poem. He is an author and poet and also does author interviews and much more on his blog. Be sure to check it out. Read Ron’s Haiku Prompt Challenge Guidelines for more information.
◊
Reblogged this on The Angry Scribbler and commented:
Another great Haiku from fellow author and blogger, Vashti! This time it comes with a little bit of history to round out our Friday the 13th fun and fears. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the reblog, K! 😀 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the haiku and thank you so much for the history information, I never knew. 😉 Also, I now know what word I’m using when it comes to playing Hangman lol. Thanks for always making Fridays fun and interesting, have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello, my friend! I’m happy I was able to teach you something new. Isn’t that word crazy? You would have to go through the entire alphabet before you get it. By that time, the hangman will have layers of clothing on and accessories. Aw, it’s comments like yours that keep me going. Thank you! ❤ xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the way Haiku has evolved and become the popular form it is today. Nice to see history incorporated in such a fine piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Bobby! When I first began writing haiku poetry, many people didn’t know what it was, so you’re right, it’s gotten much more popular. Thank you for the visit and kind words. I appreciated. 😀 xx
LikeLike
Pretty cool here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Annette! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😀 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great history. Great Haiku. Too bad I don’t have any French fries.🍟😏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Go get some! Ha, ha! I’m not a big fan of potatoes but there’s a restaurant near me that makes them very thin and crispy and seasoned. Yum! 😛 Thank you. I’m happy you enjoyed the post! Have a great weekend! 😀 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You, too.🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent post, Vashti. Great Haiku as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John! I’m glad you appreciate it. 😀 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting bit of history. Enjoyed the haiku! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello! I’ve always been fascinated with the history of the Templars. I’m happy you enjoyed it. Thank you! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve heard the Templar story, but not the connection to Friday the 13th. Very interesting stuff today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Craig! Templar history fascinates me. I’m trying to see how I can weave them into one of my stories. 😉 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds wonderful. I’m sure they’d fit somehow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re a terrific history teacher, Vashti! Loved your Haiku, too! Happy Weekend! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jill! That’s so sweet of you to say. I did great in high school but history was not one of my favorite subjects. My history teachers were boring and were more interested in making us memorize dates than actually teaching us what went on. I became much more interested in history in college where I was able to connect the dates with real happenings. Have a wonderful weekend! ❤
LikeLike
Wonderful haiku and thank you for the explanation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello! I thought it was an interesting little slice of history. Thank you! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Friday the 13th and french fry day:) Great Haiku that sums up the brutally of history.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Denise! I’m fascinated with that piece of history. Thank you very much! Enjoy the weekend, my friend! 😀 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fun little history lesson with a clever Haiku 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Debby! ❤ xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a gruesome origin to the day, Vashti. Your haiku captures the horror, suffering, and curse perfectly. Yikes. And National French fry day seems fitting if not a little morbid since the French were “fried” at the stake. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, my goodness! I hadn’t even put that together (fried french)! Wow. I like the way your mind works, Diana. Ha, ha. The history of the Catholic church is paved with gruesome events––unfortunately. Thank you! 😀 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was wondering if you had. Ha ha. I had to go there. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person