Friday the 13th

(Click for AUDIO VERSION)

I never did quite understand why people are so superstitious regarding Friday the 13th. There are many ancient myths and legends regarding it, but nothing of any substance. My personal favorite is the day it represents in 1307 when the Knights Templar of France were to be arrested on charges of heresy, which led to the demise of their order. However, this is still nothing but a legend and not rooted in fact. I tend to believe the reason Friday the 13th is unpopular is simply because it is based on a number and day, both of which are considered unlucky independent of each other, and putting them together means double the trouble. I truly believe it's as simple as that. At least it makes more sense than what anyone else can offer, pro or con.

People are particularly leery of the number 13. For example, it is quite common not to have a floor in a building labeled "13th", even though there certainly is a 13th floor. I guess that makes the 14th floor "13th" in disguise and we certainly shouldn't set foot there, right?

When it comes to Friday the 13th, I have seen people who I had previously thought to be rather rational cancel all appointments, refuse to work, and not make any business deals in fear such actions will be jinxed. Some take the day off completely in fear something catastrophic will happen that day. Nonsense. It's all a self-fulfilling prophecy where people will likely run into trouble if they are predisposed for such a negative event. They could easily make it a lucky day if they were more inclined to think positively.

Then there are those who take the superstition to the sublime and believe such preposterous things as:

* If you cut your hair on Friday the 13th, someone in your family will die.

* A child born on Friday the 13th will be unlucky for life.

* If a funeral procession passes you on Friday the 13th, you will be the next to die.

I don't think Granny from the "Beverly Hillbillies" could explain it any better.

Hollywood perpetuates the myth as it is good business for them to do so. Not only have they created a movie bearing the name "Friday the 13th," the producers of slasher films are inclined to release their trash on that day thereby capitalizing on the mood of the people.

The date is also good for authors and publishers specializing in books and articles pertaining to the paranormal. Let's face it, Friday the 13th is just good business.

As for me, regardless of the number of cracks in the sidewalk I step on, or the number of black cats that cross my path that day, Friday the 13th has always been a lucky day for me. I started to notice this when I was in grade school. Whereas some kids were intimidated by the superstition, I somehow managed to have a very fortuitous day, either getting straight A's in my classes or perhaps hitting a home run in Little League. It seems I can do no wrong. If anything, I seem to have a problem with the rest of the days in the year, but I definitely do not have a problem with Friday the 13th. In fact, I welcome it.

Keep the Faith!

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.

Copyright © 2012 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.