A cute (and accurate) story by Jaspreet Nijher of the Times of
India:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2004 - It's fear is so bad that a term has been
coined for it. Call it superstition or what you will, but today is
the unluckiest day in the calendar for "friggatriskaidekaphobes" --
those possessed with a fear or phobia of Friday the thirteenth!

Today's thus the day ... As superstition has it that Friday the 13th
is an unlucky day, especially since numerology considers both the
numbers '1' and '3' to be unlucky.

When in conjunction, '1' and '3' spell double trouble. So what is it
about the devil's dozen', as the Scottish call it, which pretends an
evil omen?

Largely, its origins are biblical. Folklore has it that thirteen
disciples gathered for supper on the night of the renowned 'Last
Supper' with Jesus, even as Jesus had instructed the seating of only
twelve. As they sat and ate, Jesus prophesied that one of them who
ate with him would betray him. Since the infamous betrayal of Judas
Iscariot, we are in morbid fear of the date and day!

Another myth goes back to the Garden of Eden. It was on a Friday,
supposedly, that Eve tempted Adam with the forbidden fruit. And look
what has become of the world today!

For the 'non-believers', for all the infamy of Friday the 13th,
there are examples of good fortune. In pagan times, Friday was the
day of the love goddess; many actors sign contracts only on Friday
because it brings good luck; Charles Dickens began writing all his
books on a Friday.

But in today's time, so deep-rooted remains the fear of '13' that
hotels take care not to have a storey or suite suffixed by those
dreaded digits.

What is more compelling a fear is if the 13th day of the month falls
on a Friday. Courting, and especially marriage, on Friday is
regarded a folly. If moving to a new home or new job on that fateful
day ... do be careful.

Throughout the Western world people are still found numbering their
houses '12 1/2', to avoid living in number 13. Even in so logical an
institution as a hospital, at times, operation theatres are not
numbered 13!

A combination of this day - Friday - and number - 13 - holds special
significance for many. But should it?

"Whether or not one considers Friday the 13th as unlucky, it is
important to understand that superstitions stem from beliefs man
uses to protect himself from events beyond his control," analyses a
psychiatrist.

Simply put, today's beliefs might well become tomorrow's
superstitions. Until then, however, don't step on a crack... after
all, today is Friday the 13th!

URL:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...articleshow/49
3982.cms