5 Friday the 13th Facts
Is it really unlucky? Or is it just a myth?
There are many stories about how 'Friday the 13th' became a thing. Some believe it has biblical origins: "Jesus was crucified on a Friday and there were 13 guests at the Last Supper the night before his crucifixion."
Others believe the 'unlucky day' began in 1307, "when on a Friday the 13th, the French king gave the orders to arrest hundreds of Knights Templar."
However it started, the superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th continue to this day. Seeing a black cat, walking under a ladder, shattering glass, these superstitions seem to intensify on this day, but there are other facts about this day you may not know about.
- Credit: FMNG | ThinkStock
Credit: FMNG | ThinkStock 1The Fear is Real
The fear of Friday the 13th has not one, but TWO scientific names.
"Friggatriskaidekaphobia comes from Frigg, the Norse goddess of wisdom after whom Friday is named, and the Greek words triskaideka, meaning 13, and phobia, meaning fear. Paraskevidekatriaphobia is also derived from Greek: paraskeví translates as Friday, and dekatria is another way of saying 13."
- Credit: Michele Piacquadio | ThinkStock
Credit: Michele Piacquadio | ThinkStock 2The Fear is Common
Friggatriskaidekaphobia is apperantly pretty common, affecting approximately 17 to 21 million Americans.
The panic, anxiety, and fear will often lead sufferers to not even leave their homes on Friday the 13; this causes an estimated $800 to $900 million lost in business!
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Credit: Think Stock/Monkey Business Images 3No Proof it's Unlucky
There is not enough evidence to support that Friday the 13th has a significant effect on accidents, hospital visits, and natural disasters.
- Credit: Dan Kitwood / Getty Images
Credit: Dan Kitwood / Getty Images 4Accident Awareness Day
Finland has used Friday the 13th to their advantage. They observe 'National Accident Day', used to "to raise awareness about safety – on the roads, at home, and at the workplace."
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Thirteen is Irregular
So the number 13 is not only considered unlucky, but some believe it's that way because of the number 12.
"In numerology, the number twelve is considered the number of completeness, reflected in the twelve months of the year, twelve hours of the clock, twelve gods of Olympus, twelve tribes of Israel, twelve Apostles of Jesus, and twelve signs of the Zodiac, while the number thirteen is considered irregular, transgressing this completeness.'
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