What's behind fear of Friday the 13th?
NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - When the 13th lands on a Friday, the superstitious often hide, refuse to fly or make business transactions. Fear of Friday the 13th is a cultural thing rooted in religion and numerology.
The 13th apostle at the Last Supper was Judas, who betrayed Jesus. The crucifixion of Jesus happened on a Friday; and Abel killed his brother Cain on Friday the 13th.
In numerology,13 also comes after the number 12, which is believed to be a complete number because there are 12 months in a year, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 tribes of Israel and 12 apostles of Jesus.
In modern times, the superstitious avoid black cats, walking under ladders or even leaving their homes.
Some people suffer from Triskaidekaphobia or fear of the number 13.
Buildings are sometimes constructed without a 13th floor.
The irony found in this infamous day is that we may actually be safer than most other days. On Friday the 13th, people often avoid dangerous situations and take extra care to be prepared for anything that might go wrong.