Friday The Thirteenth Phobia? Relax, 2010 Is A Good Year
Posted: Monday, January 25, 2010
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
Paraskevidekatriaphobia: This word means a fear of Friday the Thirteenth. The gobbledygook before phobia is simply the Greek term for Friday thirteenth. It seems impossible to be able to find the true origin of this superstition, however, one source says there are no historical events concerning it before the writing of a biography of Gioachino Rossini where the writer gives this bit of information:
[At Right: Tillie. Isn't she beautiful?]
There are numerous tales concerning it and we'll check a few out. But first, let's see why this is a lucky year. Friday the thirteenth simply means that the thirteenth falls on Friday. Friday falls on the thirteenth of any month which starts on Sunday. Usually there are three or more months throughout the year which have a Friday the thirteenth, however, this year, 2010 only has one...August. If February ever has one, unless it is a leap year, March will also have one since 28 days is exactly 4 weeks and thus starts the next month on the same day of the week on which it started. So those of you who have that horrible phobia name to spell above, you may sleep well until August.
Even though the above reference is the earliest document known to reveal the superstition, it is known that Fridays have been considered unlucky since the Canterbury Tales of the 13 th century. As far as the number 13 being considered unlucky, there are many theories. Some say because the number 12 has always represented completeness, or fullness, that the next number is considered as destroying that completeness.
One explanation for the unlucky thirteen is that thirteen men were gathered around the table for Jesus' last supper. So from then on it was said that where thirteen people are gathered for a meal, it means the death of at least one of them.
It is hard to believe anyone would do this, especially with taxpayer money, but in Britain, the Department of Public Health conducted a study in 1993 which they stated was "the relationship between the health, behavior and superstition of Friday the thirteenth" and reported in their British Medical Journal. The results seem to this writer to be virtually unbelievable.
They said that many people chose not to drive their cars on Friday the thirteenth, yet hospital admissions for those days were consistently higher than on regular Fridays. Here is a quote from their study report:
"Friday 13th is unlucky for some. The risk of hospital admission as a result of a transport accident may be increased by as much as 52 percent. Staying at home is recommended."
If there truly is any correlation within these things, I contend that it has to be that the drivers were tense and/or nervous because of the infamy concerning the day.
Either that or, the study was inadequate. If they took count of only one or two Fridays the thirteenth, it could very well have been coincidence.
But be consoled this year knowing that you only have to stay hid indoors one measly day. The second Friday in August. Sleep well.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Another excellent article, Joel. Personally, if I had a superstitious nature, I'd look at the day from the opposite point of view. You see, Danny and I became engaged on a Friday the 13th and in 2010 will celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary.Thanks Lorrie, for reading and the comment. I don't recall anything specifically good or bad in my lifetime on thosse days. But there are very few things that I have a slight lingering concern about. Like walking under a ladder. But if it looks good and sturdy, I usually make my self go on under it rather than go around. What do you think of my cat? She was a scroungy straggly skinny stray, and pregnant, when she showed up at our house. She is one of the most pleasant creatures we've ever had. We had her wormed, spayed, de-fleaed and a rabies shot. Now she is about to get too fat. But I honestly believe she is aware and appreciative of our taking her in.I guess you two proved there surely isn't anything to the stories of Friday the 13th. Congratulations on 34 years togther. Nadine and I have 54 behind us but I doubt we'll see that many more. :o)Though I am more of a dog person...your cat looks very content, which probably means her owners are also! Who knows, Joel. You and your wife could have many more anniversaries to celebrate.
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