Do you fear Friday 13th?
Was Judas number 13?
Triskaidekaphobia (also being referred to as 13-digit phobia) is the irrational fear of the number 13.
Some attribute it to the Bible, where the Last Supper was attended by 13 people, and some speculated that the 13th person at the table was Judas, who later betrayed Jesus.
Another belief is that the phobia of number 13 is caused by it being an irrational number and 12 being the number of perfection. Numerologists consider 12 a “complete” number. There are 12 months in a year, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 tribes of Israel, and 12 apostles of Jesus.
Triskaidekaphobia can be seen even in how societies are built. More than 80 percent of high-rise buildings lack a 13th floor. Many airports skip the 13th gate. Hospitals and hotels regularly have no room number 13.
Interestingly, a study published in 1993 in the prestigious British Medical Journal which analyzed the relation between health, behavior, and superstition surrounding Friday 13th in the United Kingdom by comparing the ratio of traffic volume to traffic accidents on Friday the 6th and Friday the 13th over a period of years found that, “The risk of hospital admission as a result of a transport accident may be increased by as much as 52%. Staying at home is recommended.”
A study in 2004 suggested that $800 to $900 million is lost each Friday the 13th as a result of people avoiding travel, wedding plans, moving, and so on.
How do you pronounce the word? TRIS-kə-DEK-ə-FOH-bee
Say TRIS-kə-DEK-ə-FOH-bee -ah. three times very loudly as you approach friends or groups of people and they will (usually) step aside making a clear safe path for you to walk – most will leave you alone to work in your very safe environment.