Juicy tidbits – Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition.

Very little is known about the origins of the day’s notoriety, but still many fear the day and the ‘bad luck’ it brings.

Some historians believe that the superstitions surrounding the day, began in the late 19th century -with the first documented mention of the day being found in a biography of Italian composer ,Gioachino Rossini, who died on a Friday the 13th.

Friggatriskaidekaphobia is the scientific name for the fear of the day.

However, Friday the 13th is not universally seen as a day of misery.

For example, in Italy, Friday the 17th and not Friday the 13th is considered to be a day that brings bad luck, while the number 13 is thought to be a lucky number.

In many Spanish speaking countries and in Greece, Tuesday the 13th and not Friday the 13th, is seen as a day of bad luck and misfortune.

I posed the question: “Do you believe that the day is bad luck, or is this just a silly superstition?” and here were some of the answers:

•  Danny Mchunu said: “I honestly believe it’s a load of rubbish. I believe you make your own luck; it’s a frame of mind. If you believe bad things happen on this day, then they probably will because you’re looking for them. The mind attracts what you think.”
• Jade Wiehahn said: “I don’t believe in any superstitions. I’ve broken tons of mirrors and walked under many a ladder – and I don’t feel that anything ‘bad’ that’s happened, was to blame on any of the above.”
• Claire Jean Erasmus said: “It’s just a silly superstition.”

What do you believe?