Friggatriskaidekaphobics

   I am not superstitious. I am not_______. I am____ _________. OMG! Am I really superstitious?

   This year, February and March have something in common. Both months have a Friday 13^th. Having safely maneuvered through Friday, February 13, I only need to get through Friday 13^th  in March. But if I am not superstitious, why worry?

   While many, myself included. will laugh off the superstitious day, others will remain paralyzed by fear and avoid daily tasks, conducting business or traveling. Many will stay in bed. Hmm!

   In the U.S., an estimated 17 to 21 million people suffer from a fear of Friday the 13^th. That fear has a name. It's called Friggatriskaidekaphobics. (What a great word for a 'spelling bee.')

   Friday the 13th, also known as Black Friday,  is considered an unlucky day in western superstitions. It occurs when the 13th day of the month in the Gregorian calendar falls on a Friday. Makes sense to me!

   The superstition surrounding this day may have arisen in the Middle Ages, "originating from the story of Jesus last supper and crucifixion" in which there were 13 individuals present in the upper Room on Maundy Thursday, the night before His death on Good Friday.

   Other scholars claim there is no written evidence for a "Friday the 13th" superstition before the 19th century, and the superstition only gained widespread distribution in the 20th century. Leave it to the 20^th century to give the 21^st century something to worry about.

   Most of the time when a Friday 13^th rolls around, I treat the day like any other except....that I usually try to avoid passing in the path of a black cat, carry a good luck charm in my front right pants pocket, stay out buildings that have 13 floors and never book a trip or fly on a Friday 13^th.

   I make sure I have more than thirteen dollars in my wallet, drive more than 13 miles one way in my car and if I am in a meeting, there must be more than 13 people in the room. Other than that, I treat Friday 13^th as just a normal day. Remember. I am not superstitious!

   The market on superstitions is not just limited to Friday 13. Over the years, depending upon one's luck or lack of, people will develop there own superstitions and behaviors.

   Basketball coached and players are notorious for crazy habits and superstitions. Favorite pairs of sneakers, pre-game warm ups, and put a championship game on a Friday 13^th and end up losing the game........! You don't think Coach K has a favorite piece of clothing he wears at each game?

   Personally, although I have stated that I am not superstitious, there are certain behaviors I tend to follow with consistency, just in case. Let's just call them habits.

   For example, I always get out of bed the same side each morning, regardless of whether it is a Friday 13th  or not. If for some strange reason I change sides, my day could get off to a very bad start, like not having any hot water for my shower.

   I have several pairs of socks that I will only wear at particular events. This may not be as much a superstition as it is a fact that I only have a few pairs of socks that will not fall down around my ankles and into my shoes as I walk. Who really wants to be constantly seen pulling up their socks while lots of people are looking on?

   Even at home, if I go outside to work in the yard for example, when I go back inside, I will usually go back inside through the door I came out. I don't know why, but it may have something to do with the belief of ...”don't let the door hit you on the way out (especially if you want to come back inside)”.

   Friday 13^th is now only a few days away. I have my good luck charm. I have more than thirteen dollars on my pocket and I will be on the lookout for any black cats that may pass by. Maybe I'll also put on my “lucky shirt” this time also, just in case. One can never be too careful!          
   
   Oh, by the way, if you miss the Friday 13th in March, there's one more in November. Might as well plan ahead.