Want to learn English? Have a read of our Friday the 13th blog and get some practice…
Friday the 13th, also known as Black Friday, is considered an unlucky day in the Western world. It occurs when the 13th day of the month in the Gregorian calendar falls on a Friday. There is no evidence for a “Friday the 13th” superstition before the 19th century, and the superstition only gained widespread distribution during the 20th century.
Many people have a fear of the number 13 and this has been given a scientific name: Triskaidekaphobia. Can you try pronouncing that?
So what are the unlucky statistics behind Friday 13th?
A study was carried out in America and concluded that Friday the 13th may be a dangerous day for women, because they tend to be more anxious and superstitious than men.
This was illustrated in a study by a group of Dutch researchers who believe that you are LESS likely to be ‘unlucky’ on a Friday the 13th.
Why?
It is believed that fewer accidents and reports of fire and theft occur when the 13th of the month falls on a Friday compared to any other Friday because people are being more CAREFUL.
Many of us are not superstitious and for us non-believers, Friday the 13th is just like any other day so we’re unlikely to change our behaviour and be more careful. Weirdly, we might end up in more accidents as a result.
Some people even believe that the number 13 is lucky for them. We often refer to this as ‘Lucky 13’.
In fact in Italy it is considered a very lucky number but be careful in Italy with the numbers 7 and 17…these are not so lucky.
So whether or not you’re a superstitious person, perhaps go about your day today with a little caution. And definitely don’t walk under a ladder…
Are you superstitious? Do you have a fear the number 13? Why not tell us how you feel about Friday 13th?
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