Paraskevidekatriaphobia

As I sat down at my desk to write a post this morning, I noticed today's date. Paraskevidekatriaphobia is the scientific name for the fear of Friday the 13th.  But where does our superstition surrounding this day originate?

The superstition surrounding this day may have arisen in the Middle Ages, "originating from the story of Jesus' last supper and crucifixion" in which there were 13 individuals present the night before his death on Friday the 13th.  One of the most popularized myths attempting to explain the origin of the superstition stems from events on Friday 13 October 1307, when Philip IV of France arrested and burned hundreds of Knights Templar across France.  Finally, the myth acquired the seal of Hollywood in 1980 when Paramount Pictures released Friday the 13.

According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day, making it the most feared day and date in history.  Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid their normal routines in doing business, taking flights or even getting out of bed.  I have witnessed this firsthand, having had a co-worker who would book the day off and refuse to leave her home.

So to finish off this post about Friday the 13th, here are 13 common superstitions:

• You're doomed to bad luck if a black cat crosses your path.

• If you break a mirror, kiss 7 years of luck goodbye.

• They say walking under a ladder is bad luck.

• If you spill salt, you're suppose to throw it over your shoulder to avoid getting bad luck.

• You should never leave your purse on the floor if you want to avoid bad luck.

• If a bill total $6.66 or you receive that much change you should either buy something else or leave a penny from your change to avoid bad luck.

• Opening an umbrella indoors is said to bring bad luck.

• If you cut your hair on Friday the 13th, legend says someone in your family will die.

• If a funeral procession passes you on Friday the 13th, you will be the next to die.

• A child born on Friday the 13th is said to be unlucky for life.

• Many hotels and hospitals have eliminated floor 13 in their elevators to eliminate bad luck.

• To avoid bad luck when passing a cemetery, you're suppose to hold your breath until you have passed completely.

• To avoid bad luck, you're suppose to get out of the same side of the bed you got into.

• Many believe the number 13 is bad luck.