text: the number 13? this number is regarded as unlucky or lucky...special at any rate...in many different cultures, did this happen speratly or did they learn it from each other? the number 13 is considered unlucky because it was the day of execution of jacques demolay, the last grand master of the poor soldiers of the temple of solomon, who are also known as the  "knights templars."  their main function was to protect pilgrims on their journey to jerusalem.  the catholics ordered the templars executed for supposed crimes of blasphemy and sodomy, although these charges were never proven.   jacques demolay was burned at the stake.