Friday the 13th

Very Superstitious

Having a bad day? Feeling Unlucky? Riddled with anxiety? Well, considering it’s Friday the 13^th, you’re probably not the only one feeling that way. Friday the 13^th is a cause of minor trepidation and uncertainty for some, but for others Friday the 13^th means altering daily routines, and in extreme cases refusing to leave the house or even get out of bed. Friggatriskaidekaphobia, as the phobia is called, affects people in numerous Anglophone, Francophone and Portuguese speaking nations, and Western European countries where Friday the 13^th is widely held as the unluckiest of unlucky days. It also happens to be today’s zany holiday, though superstitious holiday might be a better description.

What makes Friday the 13^th so unlucky? The legend’s origins aren’t really clear, but the number 13’s negative connotation is an old one. Despite the joy that comes with the end of the work week, Friday also has bad reputation. So bad number + bad day= EXTREMELY UNLUCKY BAD DAY. If you believe in that sort of stuff, anyway. If you are the superstitious type, keep good luck charms on hand, four leaf clovers, lucky bamboo plants, and rabbits’ feet; and look out for black cats, ladders, mirrors and opening up umbrellas inside. Good luck, and don’t worry this is the only Friday the 13^th of 2008, so you get through this you’re good for the rest of the year!