Obligatory Friday the 13th story
Friday the 13th: the superstitions and the skeptics
“If the thought of merely leaving the house this Friday the 13th has you spooked, you’re not alone. The Stress Management Centre and Phobia Institute, based in Asheville, N.C., estimates that $800 million to $900 million US is lost every time the 13th of the month falls on a Friday, as people avoid doing business or flying.
The official names for fear of Friday the 13th are friggatriskaidekaphobia and paraskevidekatriaphobia. Sufferers can have symptoms as severe as panic attacks.
Stuart Vyse, professor of psychology at Connecticut College, said the superstition that associates Friday the 13th with bad luck is one of the most widespread in Western culture.
“It has a number of features that keep it alive,” Vyse said. “If you grow up in the West, you can’t avoid knowing it.”
Source: Fark.com
Also include is quote from Joe Nickell who says:
“Some people say things like, ‘What harm will it do? It’s just a rabbit’s foot,’” he said. “Buying into one superstition will cause you to buy into larger superstitions.
“If you believe some mumbo jumbo will cure your cancer, that’s a much bigger problem.”
Speaking as one the least superstitious people around… meh. Just another day. At least it’s a Friday. Party on.
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