13 Truths & 1 Guess About Friday the 13th & Superstition
Today, many tall building elevators don’t stop at the 13th floor, because they want you to believe there isn’t a 13th floor. The power of superstition has caused people to skip 13 in buildings, packaging, and situations.
Some guess “triskaidekaphobia,´ the fear of the number 13, started with the number of disciples at The Last Supper which proved very unlucky for Jesus because it led to his crucifixion.
In pre-Christian days, people thought crosses were symbols of power and unity and would cross their fingers for good luck to this day.
Ancient Greeks believed wishes were floated to the gods when you blew out birthday candles.
Pagans believed spirits lived in trees and a “Knock On Wood” would call on them to protect you.
Long ago, Egyptians worshipped a sun god and thought that opening an umbrella for shade was an insult.
Bad luck from a black cat crossing your path began in the middle ages when they were associated with witchcraft and they could come between you and God.
In the dark ages a crack was thought to be a gateway to the world of demons and stepping on it could invite misfortune.
Saying “God Bless You” after a sneeze is thought to have originated in the Roman days of the Black Plague which lead to certain death. Oh, and no, your heart does not stop when you sneeze.
Some think horseshoes are lucky because of a story about a 10th-century blacksmith turned saint. Dunstan met a man who was the devil in disguise and wanted shoes on his horse. Not fooled, Dunstan put the shoes on the Devil’s feet instead. He told the devil he would take them off if the evil one agreed to never enter a house with a horseshoe hanging on its door.
NASA, predicts that a large asteroid will fly so close to Earth, you will be able to see it without a telescope on Friday, April 13, 2029.
Fear of the number 13 and other superstitions can be treated with humor at The Friggatriskaidekaphobia Treatment Center.
BTW Lucky For Life will draw for $1,000 a day for the rest of your life on Monday, the 16th. Will you cross your fingers?
Happy Friday The 13th.