If you do, you have a case of paraskavedekatriaphobia, which is a specialized form of triskaidekaphobia, which is a phobia of the number 13. An estimated 17-21 million people in the US are paralyzed by fear today, not getting out of bed, doing work, or taking flights. “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,” said Donald Dossey, founder of the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina.
Here’s an excellent article from National Geographic on the origins of Friday the 13th. There are a number of explanations, from Norse Gods to Judas, the 13th guest at the Last Supper. Meanwhile, our collective triskadekaphobia is very real. 80% of all high rises have no 13th floor, airports have no 13th gate, and hospitals and hotels routinely don’t have a room 13.
Is Friday the 13th really unlucky? Different studies have yielded different results. A 1993 study by the British Medical Journal came to the following startling conclusion: “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.” Meanwhile, a recent study by the Dutch found that Friday the 13th is not more unlucky. So what do you think? Are you a bit more cautious on Friday the 13th?
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