Do you have Paraskevidekatriaphobia?
Paraskevidekatriaphobia is a fear of Friday the 13th. The word "paraskevidekatriaphobia" was devised by Dr Donald Dossey who told his patients that "when you learn how to pronounce it, then you are cured"
Here are some fun facts surrounding the number 13 and Friday 13th .
Number Fact
Number 13 is a prime number, which is devisable only by itself and one.
Also the number 13 belongs to the much more distinguished club of so-called Wilson primes, of which only three are known. If there is a fourth, it is said that it must be larger than 20 million million.
Sinister Fact
The number 13 is considered in several cultures as a somewhat sinister number, a bearer of ill portent, when compared to its much lauded neighbour 12 ( of months of the year, signs of the Zodiac, sons of Jacob, apostles of Jesus and days of Christmas fame).
Culture Fact
Not all cultures in the world believe that Friday the 13th is unlucky. In Spanish and Greek cultures, Tuesday the 13th is considered far more ominous.
While in Italian culture, Friday the 17th is considered to be even unluckier than the 13th.
If you live in Belgium, some employees get a "13th month" pay cheque, so in fact the number 13 can be quite a lucky number.
Calendar Fact
For a month to have a Friday the 13th, it must begin with a Sunday.
Future Fact
According to NASA, on Friday, April 13, 2029, a large asteroid called Asteroid 2004 MN4, will fly close enough to Earth to be visible without a telescope, but it will not hit Earth.
So, what are your thoughts around the number 13 or Friday 13th? Does it make any difference to you or is it just another day?
Recent Comments
51
haha - it is actually Saturday the 14th here and I only realised it was Friday the 13th yesterday when I read this post - I guess that means I don't have it?
It's just another day for me. Some people can have fun with it, others take it way too seriously. My God is the same no matter what day it is. I've actually gone through an entire Friday the 13th without even knowing it!
There you go Cathy completely unaffected by the number. I acknowledge the day because I have an interest in all things numeric...especially when it comes to my bank balance LOL
Thanks for your comment, Jules
I’ve always loved black cats... walking under ladders...
what a great word .... I won’t even try to spell as I know ... I’ll misspell it..
thanks
Ti
I hear you Tim, I don't pay much attention to superstitious ideas - although it's quite difficult to force a black cat to cross your path ;-)
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Great informative post.
I have heard of this phobia. I don't really know if this should be taken seriously. It's sad to feel bad just for a number. There are really serious mental illnesses that people suffer from on a daily basis. Having the number 13 phobia is a bit strange but I respect and sympathize with people who feel really bad when thinking or looking at a number.
Ingrid
Very true Ingrid, it's a bit bizarre alright to have such a phobia about a combination of numbers, but each to their own ;-)