Are you afraid of the number 13, also known as the “devil’s dozen”? Then you have triskaidekaphobia. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The number 13 has been considered unlucky almost as far back as people can remember.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Many hotels have no room number 13.
• Hospitals often have no room 13.
• Many cities don’t have a 13th St.
• The lotteries in France, Italy, and many other countries never sell tickets with the number 13.
• Many athletes refuse to wear 13 on their jerseys.
• 13 is the death card in a tarot deck.
• There are 13 witches in a coven.
• Airlines skip the 13th row of seating.
13 People = Bad Luck for Hindus
Hindus have long believed that it is unlucky for 13 people to gather anywhere.
13 at the Last Supper = Bad Luck for Christians
For Christians, the number 13 also brings bad luck. The superstition stems from the Last Supper, where Judas Iscariot became the 13th guest to sit at the table. Judas later betrayed Jesus, leading to his crucifixion. To this day, it is considered very bad luck for 13 people to sit down for dinner together. It is believed that one of the dinner guests will die within the year.
Just like teenagers: House cats spend about 70% of their day sleeping and 15% grooming.
XIII = Bad Luck for Romans
Ancient Romans also believed the number 13 was bad luck. They associated it with death and misfortune. Why? There were 12 months in a year and 12 hours in a day (according to the Roman clock), so 13 was seen as a violation of the natural cycle.
Unlucky Apollo 13
Apollo 13’s mission lifted off at 13 minutes past the 13th hour on 4/11/70 (4 + 1 + 1 + 7 + 0 = 13) from Pad #39 (39 = 3 x 13). On April 13, an oxygen tank exploded, almost killing the three astronauts inside.
Friggatriskaidekaphobia (Fear of Friday the 13th)
Why is Friday so feared? Some people say it’s because Adam and Eve were thrown out of Eden on a Friday. Others say it’s because Noah’s flood started on a Friday. Whatever the reason, fear of Friday the 13th is one of the most widespread superstitions of all. Some people won’t go to work on that day. Others won’t eat in restaurants or drive. Many wouldn’t think of setting a wedding on that date. But too bad for those people—the 13th is more likely to fall on a Friday than on any other day of the week.
Lucky 13: The Great Seal of the United States has 13 stars, 13 stripes, 13 olives 13 arrows, and 13 letters in the motto. Why? To honor the original 13 colonies.