Would you follow a black cat under a ladder?

Superstitions. Friday the 13th. Do you know why people all over the world dislike the number 13, or at least have an aversion to it? I was pondering this the other day, in anticipation for Friday to arrive. I find Friday the 13th to be something that is magical and mystical all in its own realm. I also enjoy black cats as companions and I don’t mind walking under ladders either. Mentioning these ‘superstitions’ out loud and how I don’t abide to them probably casts me in a mischievous light. Instead of being frightened by such things, a healthy dose of curiosity strikes me. They say curiosity killed the cat, but they also say cats have nine lives. What if the cat was black?

Any who, back to the 13th and superstitions. The definition of superstition is, according to Britannica.com, “a belief or way of behaving that is based on fear of the unknown and faith in magic or luck: a belief that certain events or things will bring good or bad luck.” With that knowledge that our human counterparts can interpret, superstition is fear based. And with conjunction of Friday: Were it is said that in Britain in the 1300s when people were sent to the gallows to be hanged for their sentencing was on Friday’s ‘aka’ Hangman’s Day.

Any other association with Friday being unlucky was null.

The concept that the number 13 was unlucky has been around dating back as far as Norse mythology (and who knows possibly longer). Norse folklore mentions that all 12 gods were having a dinner party in Valhalla.

Loki, as many of you might know the character is the ‘God of Mischief’, was not invited and in Loki fashion, he decided to crash the party. Legend has it that when Loki arrived, fights erupted and the Earth went dark with Loki killing one of the most popular gods, Baldar (Thor’s brother).

Other associations with 13 being unlucky can be shown through western cultures apt for having the number 12 feel so complete, i.e. 12 months in a year, 12 zodiac signs, 12 days of Christmas, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 gods of Olympus, etc.

There are other sources that have attached Christianity to the unlucky 13 number. It is said that there were 13 disciples that ate with Jesus at the Last Supper and the last one to take his seat was Judas Iscariot, who eventually betrayed Jesus. Another bad connotation to the number 13.

13. Friday the 13th. “Friggatriskaidekaphobia” or “paraskevidekatriaphobia” is fear of Friday the 13th and if you were to look online you would find further evidence to cement the idea of that day being the most unlucky. However, we can change the script and see a new perspective on it. Not to let the fear rule but embrace the little mischievous chaos that happens on that day. Don’t get caught up in your fear.

Be like Michael Scott from “The Office”, “I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.” Try to enjoy Friday the 13th and maybe you might find some magic and mystery to liven up your day.

Seeking

W

onder