The ‘13 at a table’ superstition may take its origin from The Last Supper wherein 13 people dined (Jesus and his twelve disciples) and Jesus died soon after, or from the Valhalla Banquet story in Norse mythology. That story tells about 12 gods invited to a banquet. Loki, making thirteen, intrudes and Balder, the favourite of the gods, is killed.
13 is the number of the Hebrew word Achad (ACHD), unity. Old authors state that 13 is a number used to procure agreement among married people. (An unlucky number at a meal.) (p.48)
The number 10 was much noticed and used by the Jews. The blessing of the bridegroom, which consisted of seven blessing, was of no avail unless delivered in the presence of ten persons. (p. 13)
It would be interesting to know at what period of the world’s history, and under what circumstances, mankind first attributed to certain members of the animal kingdom powers and functions above and beyond those which they possess through the wisdom of their Creator. Was there, indeed, ever a period when the proper and natural position of each creature was intelligently understood by all mankind, and superstition and credulity were non-existent? (p. 1)