"I think all of my superstitions are finally gone! Knock on wood." credit Jay Simpson, a member of the South Bay Writer's Workshop
We in the West are the most likely to "fear" Friday the 13th (shudder) but in the Hispanic and Greek cultures be afraid on Tuesday the 13th. In Italy? Friday the 17th. Probably any way you cut it, there is a superstitious belief in one day or another of the calendar. After all we have 365 of them.
It is said that from 17 to 21 million people have an acute case of the Friday the 13ths and it costs retailers, restaurants, offices and travel some $800 to $900 million dollars per Friday. Some people (extremely afflicted) refuse to even get out of bed! (Insert earthquake story here)
But Friday the 13th is earning some money for the people who created Jason in the Friday the 13th movies, books and comics.
We may laugh at this dinner table custom which is: when the 13th guest invited arrives, everyone must sit down as one and when dinner is over, rise as one. This strikes me as unlikely. At our house; we couldn't seat 9 let alone 13.
I think we've all noticed - from years ago - that some hotels completely omit any 13th floor. Study the elevator buttons next time 11 - 12 - 14 --not TOO obvious. This is particularly prevalent in Las Vegas, Reno, New Jersey casino hotels.
Conversely (and possibly perversely) I have always considered Friday the 13th a lucky day for me. Which reminds me, "Buy a lottery ticket for tonight." Baby needs a new hat for Easter.
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