Wow! What a week! If you’re reading this blog, that means that so far you’ve made it through a time change, a full moon and a pandemic — congratulations. So here we are ready to tackle, hopefully, our last challenge for the week — Friday the 13th.
For many people, Friday the 13th is thought to be an unlucky day. There really is very little evidence to show that Friday the 13th is unlucky — many studies have shown that the day has little or no effect on events like accidents, hospital visits, and natural disasters.
Not everyone thinks of Friday the 13th as a day of misery. In many Spanish speaking countries and in Greece, Tuesday the 13th is considered unlucky. In Italy, Friday the 17th — not Friday the 13th — is thought to be a day that brings bad luck, In fact, in Italy, the number 13 is thought to be a lucky number. Since 1995, Finland has dedicated one Friday the 13th a year to observe National Accident Day. The day aims to raise awareness about safety — on the roads as well as at home and the workplace.
Not much is known about the origins of this day’s notoriety. Some believe that the superstition or myth started in the Bible. Jesus was crucified on a Friday, and there were 13 guests at the Last Supper the night before His crucifixion. On a Friday the 13th in 1307, a French king gave orders to arrest hundred of Knights Templar. Some think that action attributed to associating the day with misfortune.
The fear of Friday the 13th is known as friggatriskaidekaphobia or paraskevidekatriaphobia. Friggatriskaidekaphobia comes from Frigg, the Norse goddess of wisdom after whom Friday is named and the Greek words triskaideka, meaning 13, and phobia, meaning fear. Paraskevidekatriaphobia is also derived from Greek: paraskeví translates as Friday, and dekatria is anther way of saying 13.
Triskaidekaphobia, or the fear of the number 13, is feared by enough people that many high-rise buildings, hotels and hospitals skip the 13th floor and many airports do not have gates numbered 13. In many places, having 13 people at the dinner table is considered bad luck.
All years will have at least one Friday the 13th. There can never be more than three Friday the 13ths in any given calendar year. The longest time between Friday the 13ths is 14 months. For a month to have a Friday the 13th, it must begin on a Sunday — really!!
So don’t walk under any ladders, don’t break any mirrors, don’t spill any salt and don’t let any black cats cross your path. Happy Friday the 13th!!
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Dear poppie
Hi poppie i wish I could see you some time soon but their is the corona virise going around. When the carona virise stops i’d like to go to the place we went last time it was really good so ya! I hope this goes threw because last time i did so i tried a diferent thing this time. I am going to be doing this allot next week because school is out and dance was out on thursday, friday , and mabye saturday because its friday. so I hope you understand. Please please please please right back because I am lonley if its in a letter that’s fine I just want to talk to you in person , paper , or computer
from:
Emily Gifford (your
grandauter)
Hi Emily,
Thanks for the note — this is what makes being your Poppi so great. I love to hear from you. You shouldn’t be too lonely, you’ve got Rebel and Kona to keep you company, and I’m sure you’ll get to play with your friends in the neighborhood, especially since the weather is getting warmer. I’ll be sure to stay in touch — I know how to text and we can do FaceTime. And — I bet we can go back to that place we went the last time (The Pub) soon… if your mom and dad can’t make it, maybe we can pick you up.
You have fun while school’s out and don’t forget to study so you’re not behind when school starts again. We’ll talk soon.
LOVE YOU —LOTS!!!
Poppi