Friday the 13th Superstition and Its Impacts

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Questions and Answers

What is the term used for the fear of the number 13?

  • Triskaidekaphobia (correct)
  • Dread of Thirteen
  • Unluckyphobia
  • Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia

Why does Thomas Fernsler believe the number 13 has a bad reputation?

  • It is associated with dark magic.
  • It is often linked to misfortune.
  • It follows the complete number 12. (correct)
  • It has no historical significance.

Which Norse god's actions contributed to the superstition about the number 13?

  • Thor
  • Odin
  • Loki (correct)
  • Balder

On which significant biblical event is Friday associated?

<p>Jesus's crucifixion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much economic loss is estimated to occur in the US on Friday the 13th due to superstitions?

<p>$900 million (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was discovered in a 2008 study about accidents on Friday the 13th?

<p>Fewer traffic accidents occur. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which context do many people avoid having 13 present?

<p>At parties (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect of the fear of Friday the 13th on high-risk jobs?

<p>Increased accidents (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Triskaidekaphobia

The irrational fear of the number 13.

Friday the 13th Superstition

The belief that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day.

Number 13 as Incomplete

The number 12 is often seen as complete, with 12 months in a year, 12 zodiac signs, and 12 apostles. 13 is considered incomplete and therefore unlucky.

Scandinavian Legend of 13

A Norse legend where Loki, the trickster god, caused the death of Balder, the god of joy, resulting in a negative association with the number 13.

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Friday's Biblical Association

In the Bible, Jesus' crucifixion is linked to Friday, and his Last Supper with 12 apostles, including Judas, connects Friday to betrayal.

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Impact of Friday the 13th Superstition

The day is considered unlucky by millions, leading to anxiety, accidents, and economic loss as people avoid work, travel, and purchases.

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Study on Friday the 13th

A 2008 study disproved the belief that Friday the 13th is unlucky, finding fewer accidents, fires, and thefts on this day.

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Friday the 13th Bargains

Despite the superstition, Friday the 13th is a popular day for businesses to offer discounts and encourage shopping.

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Study Notes

Friday the 13th Superstition

  • Millions worldwide consider Friday the 13th the unluckiest day, due to widespread superstition.
  • The belief's origins are unclear but likely stem from fear of the number 13 (triskaidekaphobia).
  • The number 13 is seen as "incomplete" following the "complete" number 12, as there are 12 months, 12 zodiac signs, 12 of Jesus' apostles, and so on.
  • Some believe the Norse legend of Loki, Hoder, and Balder's death at dinner with 12 gods influences negative associations.

Biblical Connections

  • Jesus was crucified on a Friday; although this didn't occur on the 13th, the association persists.
  • Historical association: A possible event on Friday the 13th—Cain killing Abel. This may fuel the belief.
  • Some link Friday as the day Eve tempted Adam with the forbidden fruit.

Economic Impact and Anecdotal Evidence

  • Friday the 13th negatively impacts the US economy, with estimated losses of $900 million as people avoid work, travel, and large purchases.
  • However, a 2008 study found: fewer traffic accidents, fires, and thefts on Friday the 13th than other Fridays.

Personal Anecdote (and counterpoint)

  • The author personally doesn't believe in the superstition.
  • 13 is considered their lucky number.

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