THE belief that Friday the thirteenth is an unlucky day is one of the most widely know superstitions - and tomorrow is the first of just two Friday the thirteenths in 2017.
Many think that the combination of Friday and the number 13 comes from Bible, with Judas Iscariot - the apostle who betrayed Jesus - being "the 13th guest" at the Last Supper.
According to Norse legend, 12 gods were at a banquet at Valhalla when Loke, the demi-god of mischief who was not invited, went along anyway, bringing the total number 13.
The ensuing chaos led to the death of one of the good gods – Balder - and much grieving.
Combining the fear of Fridays with the fear of the number 13 is friggatriskaidekaphobia - from Frigg being the Norse goddess who Friday is named after. Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13...
Sufferers only have to put up with one more Friday the thirteenth this year, in October.
Apparently they may be too afraid to even say “Friday the thirteenth”, while some avoid flying, going to work, or even getting out of bed.
Particularly unlucky things to do on Friday are said to be:
1/ Starting a new journey, a new job, marriage or business project
2/ Giving birth
3/ Moving house
4/ Cutting fingernails or hair
However, if you're a lottery player draws on Friday the thirteenths apparently yield bigger prizes on average as fewer people take part...
Do you consider Friday the 13th to be an unlucky date? Has anything bad ever happened to you on this day before? Do you have any superstitions to help you avoid bad luck? Add your comments below.
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