Friday, October 13, 2006

T.G.I. Paraskevidekatriaphobia

That's "Fear of Friday the 13th," to those of us who like to keep our words to ten syllables or fewer (which would be everyone outside of Finland).

An Urban Legends article cites a British public health study that compared traffic accidents on two subsequent Fridays, the 6th and the 13th, a study which came to this conclusion (emphasis mine):
Friday 13th is unlucky for some. The risk of hospital admission as a result of a transport accident may be increased by as much as 52%. Staying at home is recommended.
Though I have my phobias and superstitions, Friday and 13 are not among them.

Apparently Friday has historically been considered an unlucky day to begin any new venture. Like being born (oops, I messed up there) or getting married (uh-oh, that one, too).

Hope your Friday is full of lucky beginnings. Start with a new six-pack and go from there.

4 Comments:

Friday the 13th is definately not something I fear. My personal phobias involve bugs. That's about it.

Posted by: Blogger Kathy at 10/13/2006 9:12 AM

I *do* worry a little about people doing stupid things because they're scared of Friday the 13th. It's a touch of Paraskevidekatriaphobiaphobia, I suppose.

Posted by: Blogger Rob S. at 10/13/2006 10:11 AM

(And looking over that enormous word that looks so tough to pronounce, I realize I want Indian food for lunch.)

Posted by: Blogger Rob S. at 10/13/2006 10:12 AM

Well, our hot water heater started leaking on Friday, so that's the last time I make light of Paraskevidekatriaphobes.

"I do believe in ghosts. I do believe in ghosts. I do, I do, I do, I do, I DO believe in ghosts."
--Cowardly lion

Posted by: Blogger Jeri at 10/14/2006 7:36 AM

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