Paraskevidekatriaphobics

- are people afflicted with a morbid, irrational fear of Friday the 13th. It is probably the most widespread superstition in America.

You thought it was just a bunch of random letters, huh?

The sixth day of the week and the number 13 both have scary reputations dating back to ancient times. What is truly amazing is that 2009 has 3 Friday the 13th's!!

Some arbitrary facts about Friday and 13:

Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden on a Friday.

Noah's flood started on a Friday.

In pagan Rome, Friday was execution day.

It is also noted that twelve witches plus one devil are present at Satanic ceremonies so Friday and 13 make a deadly combination.

Twelve gods were invited to a banquet at Valhalla. Loki, the Evil One, god of mischief, had been left off the guest list but crashed the party, bringing the total number of attendees to 13. True to character, Loki raised hell by inciting Hod, the blind god of winter, to attack Balder the Good, who was a favorite of the gods. Hod took a spear of mistletoe offered by Loki and obediently hurled it at Balder, killing him instantly. (The complete nerd in me recognizes many words in this fable as names in a Marvel comic book or XBox game...random thoughts...)

Hindus in the East believed that it is always unlucky for 13 people to gather in one place. (especially dinner parties)

The Bible tells us there were exactly 13 present at the Last Supper. One of the dinner guests betrayed Jesus Christ, setting the stage for the Crucifixion.

Christ was crucified on a Friday.

It's amazing how much religion I found was tied to this day...crazy.

To help you get through the day here are a few things that may offset the bad luck:

* Spilling wine while proposing a toast
* Looking at the new moon over your right shoulder
* Finding 9 peas in a pea pod
* Picking up a pencil in the street
* Finding a ladybug on you
* Carrying an acorn with you will bring good luck
* Finding and keeping a four leaf clover will bring you tremendous good luck
* Dolphins swimming near a ship
* A spider spinning in the morning

I assume that if you are anywhere near where you would see a dolphin swimming near a ship, you're already having good luck (presumably, you're somewhere much more exotic than the Pacific NW).

Happy Friday (the 13th)!!