The Myth of Friday the 13th

Today is the third, and final, Friday the 13th of 2012. Theres was only one in 2010 and one in 2011. 

But why is there such a superstition around this date? The fear of Friday the 13th dates back to Roman times, the rationale lost over the centuries. But still it persists.

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According to a report in philly.com, the economy is impacted by hundreds of millions of dollars by people who decide to stay home rather than venture out in this day. 

Donald Dossey, a behavorial scientist, said as many as 21 million Americans have some fear of Friday the 13th.

Interesting facts:

• In the Gregorian calendar, which we use today, this day occurs at least once, but at most three times a year.
• Any month's 13th day will fall on a Friday if the month starts on a Sunday.
• The fear of Friday the 13th is called friggatriskaidekaphobia. The term was derived from the name of the Norse goddess, Frigga, which is how Friday got its name.
• In 2011 May was the only month that had a Friday the 13th.
• In 2012, three months will have a Friday the 13th, January, April and July.
• Many buildings even today, do not have a 13th floor.

Good news for the fearful: It will be another 14 months before the next Friday the 13th rolls around on September 2013.

Do you think twice about Friday the 13th? 

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