Event Pick of the Week

Why is Friday the 13th considered bad mojo? Legend has it that the origins of the kooky myth are tied to the legendary Knights Templar. Formed during the Second Crusade, this organization of "poor knights" was created by the Catholic Church to protect European pilgrims visiting the newly captured city of Jerusalem. Later, with castles and holdings throughout Europe, the order was mysteriously disbanded in 1307 when Pope Clement V ordered all Templars arrested and tortured for heresy on, you guessed it, Friday, the 13th of October. It is believed that many Templars escaped to war-torn Scotland and were concealed by masonic guilds, laying the foundation for modern Freemasonry (which, in turn, gave rise to people like Joseph Smith and Ronald Reagan. Talk about scary!) This Friday the 13th, Serenitea Gallery at 2406 J St. will explore the legend of these "mystical warrior monks" with poetry, movie screenings, paintings and live performance. The event begins at 6 p.m. and is free. Call 329-7243 for more information.