Another Friday the 13th is inching closer? Are you superstitious? Do you look at the calendar and fear the upcoming date? Do not worry about your fears of Friday the 13th. You are not alone. The date, Friday the 13th has many people in a fearful state.
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Facts about Friday the 13th
Superstitions always bring curiosity. The problem with Friday the 13th is the origin. No one really knows how the fear of the date began.
- One belief of the fear centers around the day of the crucifixion of Jesus, a Friday. In combination with the day, the number 13 focuses on The Last Supper. The night before the crucifixion Jesus ate his final meal with his twelve disciples. Together the two events form Friday the 13th.
- Others theorize the fear derived from a book published in 1907, Friday the Thirteenth by Thomas Lewson.
- In some cultures, the 13th is not an issue. In Italy, seventeen is the unlucky number.
Despite the unclear history, the fear of Friday the 13th still has a hold in communities, organizations, and individuals. People are extremely cautious on the day and avoid the use of the number.
Here are a few other interesting facts about the date and the number:
- The fear of Friday the 13th is known as friggatriskaidekaphobia or paraskevidekatriaphobia. The fear of the number 13 is triskaidekaphobia. Can you pronounce those?
- Many communities do not have a 13th Street or 13th Avenue.
- When building high rises, hospitals, or other structures, planners often skip the 13th floor.
- Many hotels do not have a room 13.
- Airplanes do not have a row thirteen.
- Every year, the calendar has at least one Friday the 13th but can have up to three.
- For the month to have a Friday the 13th. The first day must start on a Sunday.
- Businesses and airlines suffer monetary loss every Friday the 13th.
- The superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th have inspired numerous movies, books, and folklore, most notably the “Friday the 13th” horror film franchise featuring Jason Voorhees.
So, is Friday the 13th unlucky? People who fear Friday the 13th often call into work, avoid going outdoors, and simply wait for the day to pass without any misfortunes. The big question is what do you believe?