Friday the 13th Facts

guest · Joined: 12 Jul 2008 Posts: 345

Some interesting facts...

* According to Smithsonian Magazine "fear of the #13 costs American a billion dollars per year in absenteeism, train and plane cancellations, and reduced commerce on the 13th of the month."

* Fear of Friday the 13th dates back to Nordic Mythology. Many of their thirteenth Gods met with violent deaths, such as Loki, the trickster.

* Ancient Romans regarded the number 13 as a symbol of death, destruction and misfortune.

* Lizzy Borden uttered a total of 13 words at her trial.

* There were 13 original colonies.

* A witches coven consists of 13 members.

* Tarot Card number 13 is the Death Card, depicting the Grim Reaper (although it is read as transition or change and not literal death).

* Hotels rarely have a room number 13. Usually it is called 12a or 14. Same with floors of buildings and the elevators without a #13 button. Highways sometimes will skip exit 13 altogether also.

* There are 13 steps leading to the gallows.

* 13 knots in a hangman's noose.

* 13 feet which the guillotine blade falls.

* The driver of Princess Diana hit pillar #13 at Place de l'Alma when she was killed in Paris, France.

* 13 people, Christ and his 12 disciples, were in attendance at the last supper. This is where the Christian belief ties in, making Friday a believed unlucky day, as the crucifixtion occurred on a Friday.

* Certain ocean liners will be held in dock until after midnight to appease passenger's fears on Friday the 13th.

* British study concluded that even though there were less cars on the road on Friday the 13th (as compared with other Fridays) more accidents were reported.

* Trisadekaphobia is the technical name for fear of Friday the 13th.

* Apollo 13, 1970, the 13th mission launched from pad #39 (13 x 3), mission was aborted, after an explosion occurred in the fuel cell of their service module. The rocket had left launcing pad at 13:13 CST and the date was April 13th.

* Epluribus Unum has 13 letters.

* The US Seal has 13 stars, bars, feathers in the eagle's tail, 13 bars in one claw, 13 olive branches in the other.

* A "quatrorzieme" is a professional 14th guest hired by the French who had only 13 guests in attendance for dinner, who felt that was unlucky.

* A baker's dozen consists of 13 for a reason! So the story goes a witch near Albany, NY demanded 13 items every time she came in to a particular bakery, and one day the old baker could not afford her extra biscuit. She sneered some strange words at the man, and he suffered terrible luck from then on, until he brought her another 13 rolls. After that life was once again easy for the baker and word spread around town. The custom is still sometimes practiced today.
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"I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ. - Gandhi.

Scorpio · Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 4:42 pm Post subject:

Friday the 13th is also something to do with the Templars and the King of France; I think he executed the last Templars on Friday 13th, and their leader cursed him as they went to their deaths which is where the unlucky part got re-inforced.

I remember reading something along those lines years ago.
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The wings of tomorrow and our faith will bring us change

Angelica · Joined: 04 May 2008 Posts: 1875 Location: Antartica

That's right Scorpio

Templar Grand Master Jacques de Molay was burnt at the stake
And cursed those involved in the deception. Apparently his curses had followed through Shocked

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_Templar

Scorpio · Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2009 8:02 pm Post subject:

Thats the guy! Jaques De Molay! Thanks Angelica, I knew I'd read it somewhere.
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The wings of tomorrow and our faith will bring us change

Lover · Joined: 08 Dec 2008 Posts: 866

I've never understood this. 13 is my lucky number. Seriously, I've always, always had good luck with anything associated with the number 13. I love 13. It's prime, man.

I don't get all the lore. I mean, why not Thursday the 11th or something?

13 is wonderful.
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Lover · Joined: 08 Dec 2008 Posts: 866

HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13th EVERYONE!

MAN, I FEEL GREAT THIS MORNING! Fresh coffee, good vibes, and spring on the way!

It's a great day for the Irish!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXV96aTOeVs
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Lover · Joined: 08 Dec 2008 Posts: 866

I JUST GOT A NEW JOB TODAY THAT INVOLVES GARDENING, MAN! I"M SO EXCITED!

I LOVE FRIDAY THE 13th! YOu people thought I was kidding. But I wasn't! I ALWAYS have the best luck on this day!

YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAH!

Better give some credit to the man upstairs too, I reckon. Smile

I tell ya, it's enough to make me wanna share my Lent Meditation!

Spring is nigh! The land of milk and honey!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3pJMUZaT9Y
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Vanessa · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 1065 Location: California

Happy Friday 13th! Me and my work buddy went to lunch and had margaritas so I'm a little buzzed at work. Good thing the bosses are out today!

Starlight · Joined: 10 Mar 2007 Posts: 299

guest · Joined: 12 Jul 2008 Posts: 345

Cthulhu · Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 7:38 am Post subject:

My family has always considered Friday the 13th to be an auspicious day and 13 to be a lucky number! Very Happy

Scorpio · Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 1:19 am Post subject: Re: Friday the 13th Facts