Community Corner

13 Facts and Superstitions Surrounding Friday the 13th

Written by Nicole Krawcke

Today is Friday the 13th—the first of two Friday the 13ths in 2013. (The second will take place in December).

Everyone knows Friday the 13th is bad news. So to help you prepare for the worst, here are some facts and superstitions about this famously unlucky day.

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13 Facts and Superstitions Surrounding Friday the 13th

1. There is at least one Friday the 13th every year, but no single year has more than three.
2. Months with a Friday the 13th always begin on a Sunday.
3. The longest period that can occur without a Friday the 13th is fourteen months.
4. Legend has it if 13 people sit down to dinner together, one will die within the year. In France, diners can hire a quatorzieme, or professional 14th guest.
Friday is said to be the day when Eve tempted Adam with the forbidden fruit, Abel was killed by Cain and Jesus Christ was crucified.
5. Friday is said to be the day when Eve tempted Adam with the forbidden fruit, Abel was killed by Cain and Jesus Christ was crucified.
6. Many cities do not have a 13th Street or 13th Avenue.
7. Many buildings don't have a 13th floor.
8. Most airports skip having a 13th gate and airplanes a 13th row.
9. Many hospitals do not have a room number 13.
10. If you have 13 letters in your name, you have the devil's luck - Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer and Theodore Bundy all have 13 letters in their names.
11. There are 13 twists of the rope in a traditional hangman's noose and 13 steps leading up to the gallows.
12. In Formula 1 racing, there is no car with the number 13. The number has been removed after two drivers were killed in crashes, both driving cars numbered 13.
13. An urban myth states the Brittish Royal Navy tried to dispel the superstition that sailing on Friday was bad luck. They built a ship named HMS Friday. On its maiden voyage, the vessel left dock on a Friday the 13th, and was never heard from again.

Are you superstitious at all about Friday the 13th? Let us know in the comments section below.

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