Friday the 13th Superstition Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What term describes the fear of the number 13?

  • Triskaidekaphobia (correct)
  • Numerophobia
  • Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia
  • Paraskevidekatriaphobia

According to Thomas Fernsler, why is the number 13 considered unlucky?

  • It is the number of times Cain killed Abel.
  • It is the number of gods in a Norse legend.
  • It is associated with the crucifixion of Jesus.
  • It is seen as incomplete following the number 12. (correct)

What is Donald Dossey's theory about why 13 is considered unlucky?

  • It is based on a story of Norse gods and an act of treachery. (correct)
  • It is the number of months in a year.
  • It is the number of apostles that betrayed Jesus.
  • It is the first number after the perfect number 12.

Which event is NOT mentioned in the content as occurring on a Friday?

<p>The birth of Jesus. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What economic impact does Friday the 13th have in the United States, according to the content?

<p>Businesses lose around $900 million due to fear and avoidance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did a 2008 study find about accidents on Friday the 13th?

<p>There are fewer accidents than on other Fridays. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, why might Friday the 13th be considered lucky?

<p>Because businesses often offer discounts on this day. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a theory about the origin of the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th?

<p>Adam and Eve were both tempted to eat the forbidden fruit on the 13th. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Triskaidekaphobia?

Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13. It is a specific phobia related to the number 13 associated with misfortune or bad luck.

Why is the number 13 considered unlucky?

The number 13 is often considered unlucky due to its association with incompleteness, as it follows the significant number 12, which represents completeness across various cultural contexts.

What is the Scandinavian legend associated with the number 13?

According to a Scandinavian legend, Loki, the trickster god, tricked Hoder, the god of darkness, into killing Balder, the god of joy, at a gathering of 12 Norse gods. This legend contributes to the association of the number 13 with misfortune.

What is Friday associated with in Christian beliefs?

Friday is often associated with negative events, particularly in Christian beliefs. Friday is the day Jesus was crucified, after the Last Supper with his 12 apostles, including Judas, who betrayed him.

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Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky?

Friday the 13th is widely considered unlucky because of the negative associations with both the number 13 and Friday. These associations stem from folklore, superstition, and religious beliefs.

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Is there any evidence to support the superstition of Friday the 13th?

While the superstition of Friday the 13th is widely believed, studies have shown that there is no evidence to support its claim. Data actually suggests that there are fewer accidents, fires, and thefts on Fridays the 13th compared to other Fridays.

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How does the superstition of Friday the 13th impact the economy?

The fear of Friday the 13th leads to a significant economic impact, with businesses losing millions of dollars as people avoid working, traveling, and making big purchases. This is ultimately unfounded, given the lack of evidence to support the superstition.

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What do studies show about the superstition of Friday the 13th?

Despite the belief in the superstition of Friday the 13th, studies have shown that there are fewer traffic accidents, fires, and thefts on this day compared to other Fridays. This lack of evidence suggests that the superstition may be unfounded.

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Study Notes

Friday the 13th Superstition

  • Friday the 13th is considered unlucky by millions worldwide due to the association with the number 13 and Friday.
  • Triskaidekaphobia refers to the fear of the number 13.
  • The number 13 is believed to be unlucky because it follows the complete number 12 (months, zodiac signs, etc.).
  • Some associate the fear with Scandinavian legends about the Norse god Loki and the murder of Balder.
  • Friday itself has negative connotations, with biblical events such as Jesus' crucifixion and Eve's temptation on Fridays.
  • Although Cain killing Abel is often associated with Friday the 13th, there's no historical proof of this event on that specific date.

Impact and Economic Loss

  • The fear of Friday the 13th affects millions globally, causing anxiety in high-risk jobs, leading to a potential for accidents.
  • Businesses lose an estimated $900 million annually on Friday the 13th due to reduced activity (e.g., reduced work, travel, purchases).
  • Despite popular beliefs, statistically, fewer accidents, fires, and thefts occur on Friday the 13th compared to other Fridays.
  • Businesses often counter this fear by offering discounts on the day to incentivize customers.

Personal Perspective

  • Personal views on the luckiness or unluckiness of Friday the 13th vary and can often be influenced by other factors.

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Description

Explore the intriguing superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th, a day deemed unlucky by many. Delve into the reasons behind triskaidekaphobia and discover how this belief impacts both individual lives and the economy. Test your knowledge of the history and myths associated with this infamous date.

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