"12 is the end off a cycle (life cycle)13 is rebirth .A sacrifice is often needed in rituals(execution)most often taking place between 12:00am and 3:00am (time of death and spirits).Modern execution chambers today hold and inmate in a cell 13 steps from the execution chamber. Old prisons cells had 13 bars."

https://www.answers.com/Q/Why_13_steps_on_the_gallows

If you look closely at old photos of public hangings, you will often count 13 steps to the gallows. This allows for a good average drop distance and a cleanly broken neck as well as ease of body removal, which hangs close to the ground.

https://findery.com/MadameSpooky/notes/13-steps-to-the-gallows