The thirteen club get together at luncheon because this is Friday the thirteenth . Because of the day is Friday , and the date is the thirteenth , the ' Thirteen Club ' , an organisation which exists for the purpose of defying superstition met for their luncheon in the Savoy Hotel , London . At the luncheon , which is only held when the thirteenth day of the month is Friday , the members of the club do everything they can to flout time honoured superstitions . They spill salt , they walk under ladders and they open umbrellas indoors . Photo shows members of the thirteen club at luncheon under open umbrellas . 13 April 1934