Do you believe in superstitions? Friday the 13th is a date that carries ominous implications for many people and is even considered unlucky in some cultures.

But the history surrounding the gloomy date is a little clouded.

Friday has apparently been a day of bad luck dating back to ancient times.

Likewise, the number 13 has been considered unlucky since ancient times as well, although just when this superstition began is difficult to determine. Some believe it goes back to the last supper of Jesus Christ, where Jesus was with his 12 disciples, making 13.

It was during the 19^th century that the number 13 inherited its alleged unluckiness, to the point where some people would avoid having anything to do with the number.

As you would be aware, many of today’s skyscrapers and hotels don’t have a Level 13 or a room 13 listed. The 13^th floor has been skipped of any mention and relabelled as Level 14 instead.

Think this all sounds unbelievable? It is very real. There are actual terms for the fear of Friday and 13:

• Paraskevidekatriaphobia – fear of Friday
• Triskaidekaphobia – fear of the number 13
• Friggatriskaidekaphobia – fear of Friday the 13^th

Apparently, there are millions of people worldwide with a phobia of Friday the 13^th to varying degrees, and the horror movie franchise, Friday the 13^th, could well have attributed to this phobia.

However you choose to spend your Friday the 13th, make sure it’s a good day.