Unfortunately there is always one Friday 13th in a year, and sometimes there are as many as three
With Friday 13th October fast approaching, expert psychologist Lee Chambers has explained why we hold the date as unlucky. Research commissioned by Mecca Bingo recently revealed that 13 is most widely believed unlucky number in the UK, with 1 in 10 of us believing it brings them bad fortune.
Kylie Sturgess, tutor and researcher at Murdoch University, told The Conversation : "Of all the days to stay in bed, Friday the 13th is surely the best. It’s the title of a popular horror movie series; it’s associated with bad luck and it’s generally thought to be a good time not to take any serious risks.
"Elsewhere in the world, 13 is less unlucky. In Hinduism, people fast to worship Lord Shiva and Parvati on Trayodashi, the 13th day in Hindu month. There are 13 Buddhas in the Shingon sect of Buddhism, and there is mention of a lucky 13 signs, rather than unlucky, in The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation.
"If you cross your fingers, feel alarmed at breaking a mirror, find a “lucky” horseshoe or throw spilled salt over your shoulder, you are engaging in long-held practices that can have a powerful impact on your emotions. Likewise, many students are now heading towards their semester exams. In the lecture rooms, they may take lucky charms such as a particular pen or favourite socks.
"But if you’re feeling a little anxious this Friday, try to remember there’s nothing different about it to any other day." "The source of 13’s bad reputation – “triskaidekaphobia” – is murky and speculative. The historical explanation may be as simple as its chance juxtaposition with lucky 12. Joe Nickell investigates paranormal claims for the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, a nonprofit that scientifically examines controversial and extraordinary claims. He points out that 12 often represents “completeness”: the number of months in the year, gods on Olympus, signs of the zodiac and apostles of Jesus.
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