The day of fears and superstition

It is Friday the 13th and that word is a long way of saying you fear the number 13.

So, according to legend, you should definitely avoid black cats crossing your path, spilling salt, walking under ladders, opening umbrellas indoors, breaking mirrors – and 13. They all bring bad luck.

The origins of superstitions about Friday 13th are unknown.

But the day and date issue is believed to have started in the late 19th century.

According to the Time and Date website, the first documented mention of the day was in the biography of Italian composer Gioachino Rossini, who died on a Friday, November 13, 1868.

It is believed the suspicion around the date was also fueled by a 1907 book called Friday the Thirteenth, by American Thomas Lawson.

There are numerous well-known superstitions or fears associated with Friday the 13th.

READ ALSO

While no-one can rationally explain the fear, here are some of the most common examples (thanks to Live Science):

• Don’t walk under a ladder.

• A black cat crossing your path means bad luck.

• A rabbit’s foot will bring you luck.

• Bad luck comes in threes.

• Knock on wood.

• Make a wish on a wishbone.

• Three sixes in a row brings bad luck.

• Be careful with your mirror.

• Find a penny, pick it up for good luck.

Or perhaps these ones (from International Business Times):

• If you cut your hair on Friday the 13th, someone in your family will die.

• If a funeral procession passes you on Friday the 13th, you will be the next to die.

• Do not start a trip on Friday or you will encounter misfortune.

• If you break a mirror on Friday the 13th, you will have seven years of bad luck.

• A child born on Friday the 13th will be unlucky for life.

• Ships that set sail on a Friday will have bad luck.

• If you walk under a ladder or if a black cat crosses you on Friday the 13th, you will have bad luck.

So stay safe out there today everyone. 

Maybe stay in doors and pick out your favourite horror movie?