Six Facts about Friday the 13th

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In 2010 and 2011, we only had one Friday the 13th to contend with each year.

But July brought us the third Friday the 13th of 2012, which may suggest to the superstitious that the first seven months of this year have been more unlucky than the past two calendar years combined.

Why is there such a superstition around this date? The fear of Friday the 13th dates back to Roman times, the rationale lost over the centuries. But still it persists.

According to a report in philly.com, the economy is impacted by hundreds of millions of dollars by people who decide to stay home rather than venture out. Does that seem crazy, or do you watch your back for creepy guys like this every time this day comes along? 

Donald Dossey, a behavorial scientist quoted in the report, said as many as 21 million Americans have some fear of Friday the 13th.

Interesting facts:

• In the Gregorian calendar, which we use today, this day occurs at least once, but at most three times a year.
• Any month's 13th day will fall on a Friday if the month starts on a Sunday.
• The fear of Friday the 13th is called friggatriskaidekaphobia. The term was derived from the name of the Norse goddess, Frigga, which is how Friday got its name.
• In 2011 May was the only month that had a Friday the 13th.
• In 2012, three months have had a Friday the 13th, January, April and July.
• Many buildings, even today, do not have a 13th floor.

Good news for the fearful: It will be another 14 months before the next Friday the 13th rolls around ... in September '13.

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