Friday the 13th: Unlucky or a Fortunate Event?
Many people consider Friday the 13 an unlucky day. In fact the scientific term, "paraskevidekatriaphobia", has been given for this irrational, morbid fear of Friday the 13.
Some folks refuse to leave their homes, and those that do venture into the great outdoors, watch carefully not to walk under ladders, or step on the cracks on sidewalks.
Photo credit: Wikipedia: Lilith The Cat
People who are worried about Friday the 13 have had three opportunities in 2009 to be afraid . . . very afraid. The dates of these three challenging calendar events are February 13, March 13 and November 13. The good news is that in 2010, Friday, August 13 will be the only occurrence of this oftentimes dreaded date.
The fear of Friday the 13 can be quite dramatic. Dr. Donald Dossey, author and founder of the Stress Management Center/Phobia Institute reports that as many as 21 million Americans fear the day. Symptoms can range from mild anxiety to full blown panic attacks.
Some folks actually celebrate this event. Parties are often held, some fund-raising and charitable organizations hold their functions and events on Friday the 13th. Concerts, wine tasting nights and art exhibitions are often held to celebrate the day. This day is not always gloomy for everyone!
In fact, there are those that consider themselves lucky to be born on Friday the 13th. Lottery ticket agents are often kept very busy, with people taking extra chances to beat the odds. According to CNN.com, a British couple who purchased a lottery tickets on Friday the 13 won $17 million, shortly after a mirror in their home fell off the living room wall and smashed to pieces. However, In Brazil if Friday the 13 falls in August, it is considered to be unluckier than any other Friday the 13.
Of course the black cat, steeped in mystery and fable is generally associated with Friday the 13. These cats have been given a very nasty and uncalled for reputation. Some folks think, "What could be unluckier than a black cat crossing your path, or appearing under the ladder that is so carefully avoided?"
The black cat is considered by many folks to be either a diabolical sign or completely at the other end of the spectrum, a bringer of good fortune. Read more about these very maligned or adored felines by visiting: http://www.petside.com/the-sidewalk/black-cat-myths.php
What is your take on black cats and Friday the 13? Are you worried? Leave a comment but don't scare us too deeply.
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Comments (6)
Vicki November 13, 2009 11:44 AM
I never worry about Friday 13, or any other questionable days. It's the ones we don't recognize that bug me.
jmuhj November 13, 2009 2:42 PM
Lilith the cat is GORGEOUS. Black shorthaired cats are my favorites (though I love all cats! of all species!)
I don't have any fear of Friday the 13th in my background, and have never understood it, though I did see something about it being associated with European Christians' history. Doesn't make any sense to me, though.
Amy November 14, 2009 5:27 AM
I never ever believed in that but always made sure my cats were in the house on that day and Halloween. This was when I used to let them roam, but that no longer happens. Oh and yes I have had several black cats over the years and each and everyone of them were very special.
Stella Gaylor November 14, 2009 7:59 PM
I would love to stay home on Friday the 13th or any Friday as a matter of fact. Just another day in my book. And for black cats walking across your path. Happens every day!
http://www.rpcathouse.com/
Ruth from England November 15, 2009 12:21 PM
Interesting article ! Friday 13th is just another day to me but it must be a scary day for people who are superstitious. We've had black cats and many have crossed my path too but I don't believe any animal can bring bad luck.In reality it's people who bring bad luck to many poor animals.
Rani November 23, 2009 6:49 PM
Friday the 13th never fazes me. Oddly, though, my favorite basketball team has a history of losing games on Friday the 13th. But this month, they broke the pattern!
I've had several black cats, all gloriously sleek and handsome felines, and interestingly among the smartest of the cats I've had in my life. They're the ones who would use the toilet, the ones who figured out how to turn doorknobs, etc.
My daughter and her fiance just recently adopted a golden-eyed black cat from the shelter. His name is Knight and he has been good luck for them!
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