Today is Friday the 13th, one of three in 2012. Why is this day such a
superstitious one? You may have to go back centuries to answer that question;
maybe back to biblical times.
People who believe Friday the 13th brings
bad luck have a variety of theories
as to the origins of the superstition.
Is Friday the 13th unlucky for you? Lucky you:
superstitions affect consumer
choices.
If the thought of merely leaving the house this Friday the 13th has you
spooked, you're not alone. The Stress Management Centre and Phobia Institute,
based in
Asheville, N.C., estimates that $800 million to $900 million US is lost
every time the 13th of the month falls on a Friday, as people avoid doing
business or flying.
The official names for fear of Friday the 13th are friggatriskaidekaphobia
and paraskevidekatriaphobia. Sufferers can have symptoms as severe as
panic
attacks.
Stuart Vyse, professor of psychology at
Connecticut College, said the
superstition that associates Friday the 13th with bad luck is one of the most
widespread in Western culture.Do you dread the 13th?
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/01/12/f-friday-thirteenth.html
http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/news/local/article/180467--very-superstitious-3-friday-the-13ths-this-year
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/281207/20120113/eight-reasons-why-americans-spooked-friday-13th.htm
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