“I’ve found that luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances. Be more active. Show up more often.” Brian Tracy
Most of us are aware when Friday the 13th rolls around. They may get a little bit nervous and worry about the “bad luck” day. But there are also people that believe it’s time to turn bad luck into good luck. And maybe we should celebrate Friday the 13th.
In 2020, there are two Fridays the 13th, that fall in March and November. There are many urban legends about the day. Like black cats, the full moon, and walking under a ladder, Friday the 13th is supposed to be bad luck.
Superstitions can be serious business.Here’s some fast facts about the Friday the 13th phenomenon.
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Fear of Friday the 13th is a Phobia!
It is estimated that millions of people are affected by fear of Friday the 13th. And a lot of businesses also suffer financial losses. The airline industry is hurt since most people don’t like to travel on the 13th.
This disabling fear is known as “friggatriskaidekaphobia”. This comes from the Scandinavian word Frigg, who was the Viking goddess of wisdom. Friday was named after her. And it also derives from the Greek word triskaideka, which means 13.
Not surprisingly, those with this phobia also hate the number 13. Many highrise hotels, and office buildings skip the 13th floor.
There is also a widespread superstition against having 13 guests at the dinner table.
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The 13th Guest: Judas and the Last Supper
The idea that Friday the 13th is unlucky may be linked to the Bible. It is said that the apostle that betrayed Christ, Judas, was the 13th guest to the last supper.
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Horror Film Franchise
“Friday the 13th” is one of the highest grossing film franchises of all time.Over 50 years there have been 12 successful movies and a TV series. And there are graphic novels, comic books, video games and other merchandise.
Hollywood may have created the scariest character of all time. Jason was an unstoppable psycho. With his face hidden by a mask, his iconic image is a part of popular culture.
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Hitchcock Irony
The famous film director Alfred Hitchcock was known for his frightening and suspenseful films. And he was born on Friday the 13th of August 1899.
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Finnish National Accident Day
Finland has been celebrating Friday the 13th since 1995. Every year they dedicate Friday the 13th to celebrate National Accident Day. They want to make people aware of safety, in the workplace, on roads and at home.
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Asteroid Passing
Astronomers discovered the asteroid 99942 Apophis in 2004. On Friday, April the 13th in 2029 is projected to pass by the Earth and the Moon.
There is absolutely no evidence that Friday the 13th is really an unlucky day. All evidence is that Friday the 13th does not affect events like deaths, accidents, hospital visits, or natural disasters. Maybe we should stop being afraid. And start to celebrate Friday the 13th as a lucky day.
