So, what’s the big deal?
A theory on how it all began:
The trepidation surrounding Friday the 13th is rooted in religious beliefs surrounding the 13th guest at the Last Supper-Judas, the apostle said to have betrayed Jesus-and the crucifixion of Jesus on a Friday, which was known as hangman’s day and was already a source of anxiety, said Stuart Vyse, a professor of psychology at Connecticut College in New London. The two fears merged, resulting “in this sort of double whammy of 13 falling on an already nervous day,” he said.” ~from National Geographic
“This fear of 13 can be seen even in how societies are built. More than 80 percent of high-rise buildings lack a 13th floor, for example. And many airports skip the 13th gate. Hospitals and hotels regularly have no room number 13.
On streets in Florence, Italy, the house between number 12 and 14 is addressed as 12 1/2. In France socialites known as the quatorziens (fourteeners) once made themselves available as 14th guests to keep a dinner party from an unlucky fate.” ~From National Geographic
Anyway, the point is, it’s Friday. Have a great weekend – and don’t cross any black cats paths today!
~Amy
{images: bat; moon; haunted house; friday the 13th; theater poster; black cat; witch; potion book
