Paraska-what?

What do Margaret Thatcher, Fidel Castro, Black Sabbath’s debut album, Lemony Snicket’s last book, Hurricane Charley, the Uruguayan Rugby team’s infamous crash in the Andes, the Olsen twins and Tupak Shakur all have in common? They all happened, were born or died on a Friday the 13^th.

Paraskavedekatriaphobia is the fear of Friday the 13^th. English, French and Portuguese speaking countries consider this a day of bad luck. Millions of people suffer from this fear and avoid travel, making business transactions, or even leaving the house on this day. Traffic incidents increase on Friday the 13^th. Are you afraid of Friday the 13th? This year, we only have one, but next year there are three, the most occurrence in any one year!

But why do millions of people fear this day? There is no explanation other than superstition. Events in the past may offer small explanation, such as the 13 disciples at the last supper, leading to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which apparently happened on a Friday. The British H.M.S. Friday set sail on a Friday with Captain Friday at the helm, the ship was never seen again. Eve tempted Adam with the forbidden fruit on a Friday. A witches coven has 13. The Knights Templar catastrophe happened on a Friday the 13th. And of course, we know the story of the Apollo 13.

Be safe out there and don't fear the number, many bad things can happen on any day of the week. For instance, Mondays are my least favorite day.

13 : the story of the world's most popular superstition
by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer

The Encyclopedia of Superstitions
by Richard Webster