For all of our readers with Triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13), I thought I’d give a little bit of the history behind your fears. There are lots of theories about the origin of the unlucky nature of the number 13. They range from the number of disciples that Jesus had (12 + Judas = 13), to the disbanding of the Knights Templar in the 14th Century AD on Friday the 13th. Despite the origin, it appears that the number 13 only became associated with bad fortune in the 1900’s. Some fast facts about Friday the 13th from our good friend Wikipedia:

“It’s been estimated that [U.S] $800 or $900 million is lost in business on this day because people will not fly or do business they would normally do.” [4]

Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they are simply unable to get out of bed when Friday the 13th rolls around. The Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute estimates that more than 17 million people are affected by a fear of this day. [5] Despite that, representatives for both Delta and Continental Airlines say that their airlines don’t suffer from any noticeable drop in travel on those Fridays. [6]

A British Medical Journal study has shown that there is a significant increase in traffic-related accidents on Friday the 13ths.[7]

On Friday the 13 you must beware of 3 am. For that is when the devil mocks God’s worshipers. On this day many people have claimed to have noticed a presence of a spirit. Is the spirit harmful, related to you, or the devil? This depends on the time place and person experiencing this spirit.

I’d think that most of these facts were made up but during my 7 or so years of retail experience, I had at least a few hundred people refuse to pay for a purchase that totaled $6.66. They would add items to their order or take items off, but felt like it was wrong to pay for a purchase totaling to the devil’s number. Sometimes I think I’d like to write a book about Christians and their superstitions. It would be fun.

I broke a mirror today and a black cat sat in my lap. I guess we’ll have a few more weeks of winter. Happy Friday the 13th!