Friday the 13th Superstition

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which statement most accurately reflects the economic impact of Friday the 13th, according to the article?

  • Financial institutions report a decrease in loan applications and mortgage approvals.
  • The U.S. economy benefits from increased tourism and shopping due to special promotions.
  • The stock market typically sees a surge in trading volume, offsetting any losses in retail.
  • Businesses experience a significant loss in revenue, estimated at $900 million, as many people avoid economic activities. (correct)

How does the article contrast the perceived danger of Friday the 13th with empirical evidence?

  • It notes an increase in reported health issues and emergency room visits.
  • It highlights a statistical correlation showing a rise in accidents, thefts and fires.
  • It juxtaposes the widespread anxiety with a study indicating fewer traffic accidents and reported incidents on that day. (correct)
  • It dismisses scientific conclusions due to it being a culturally biased perspective.

What is 'triskaidekaphobia,' and how is it connected to the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th?

  • A fear of Fridays specifically occurring in October, contributing to general seasonal anxiety.
  • A general anxiety disorder heightened by media coverage on unlucky events.
  • The fear of the number 13, which contributes to the anxiety and superstition associated with Friday the 13th. (correct)
  • An aversion to folklore and mythological stories that perpetuate fears and omens.

What is Donald Dossey's theory regarding the number 13's association with bad luck?

<p>It is rooted in a Scandinavian legend involving 12 gods at a dinner party disrupted by a 13th, a trickster god. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the article explain the negative associations with Friday?

<p>Friday is linked to several significant events, including Jesus' crucifixion and the temptation of Adam, reinforcing negative connotations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the article, what actions do superstitious people tend to avoid on Friday the 13th?

<p>Working, traveling, or making significant purchases. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which assertion aligns with Thomas Fernsler's explanation for the unluckiness associated with the number 13?

<p>The number 13 disrupts the sense of completeness associated with the number 12. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might businesses leverage the Friday the 13th superstition to their advantage?

<p>By offering special promotions and discounts to encourage shopping. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the article describe the level of anxiety experienced by people on Friday the 13th?

<p>Over 20 million Americans, and more worldwide, experience anxiety on this day. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion could be drawn from the information presented in the article, regarding the dangers of Friday the 13th?

<p>Belief in the superstition might be more dangerous than the day itself. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Triskaidekaphobia

Fear of the number 13.

Loki's Role in Friday the 13th Superstition

A Norse god who tricked Hoder into killing Balder, leading to the belief that having 13 guests at a party is unlucky.

Behavior of Superstitious People on Friday the 13th

Refraining from activities like working, traveling, or making purchases due to fear of Friday the 13th.

Friday the 13th Superstition

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

Signup and view all the flashcards

Friday's Negative Associations

The idea that Friday has negative associations stemming from the crucifixion of Jesus.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Economic Impact of Friday the 13th

Businesses lose approximately $900 million due to people avoiding activities on Friday the 13th.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Reality vs. Superstition on Friday the 13th

Despite beliefs, studies show fewer traffic accidents and reported incidents on Friday the 13th.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

  • Millions of people worldwide consider Friday the 13th the unluckiest day of the year.

Origins of the Superstition

  • The origin of the day's fearsome reputation is unclear.
  • The superstition starts with the fear of the number 13, a condition called "triskaidekaphobia".
  • Thomas Fernsler believes 13 has a bad reputation because it follows the "complete" number 12, of which there are many examples (months in a year, zodiac signs, apostles of Jesus, etc).
  • Many consider 13 "incomplete" and, therefore, unlucky.
  • Donald Dossey thinks 13 is considered unlucky because of a Scandinavian legend.
  • The legend says that 12 Norse gods were having dinner when Loki convinced Hoder to kill Balder.
  • Many people avoid having 13 guests at a party because of the legend.
  • Jesus was crucified on a Friday, although not specifically the 13th.
  • This event occurred after the Last Supper with his 12 apostles, including Judas who betrayed him.
  • Many biblical scholars believe Eve tempted Adam with the forbidden fruit on a Friday.
  • Cain killed his brother, Abel, on Friday the 13th.
  • Over 20 million Americans experience some level of anxiety on Friday the 13th.
  • People in high-risk jobs like construction fear the day, which often leads to accidents.

Economic Impact

  • Businesses lose about $900 million on Friday the 13th as believers avoid working, traveling, or making big purchases.
  • A 2008 study found that fewer traffic accidents occur on Friday the 13th than on other Fridays.
  • The number of fires and thefts reported was also much lower.

Opportunities

  • Many businesses offer discounts on Friday the 13th to encourage people to shop.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser