Yahoo! India Answers blog

Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13. And today is Friday the 13^th; a day burdened with wicked omens, especially for the Triskaidekaphobics, whose haunted souls have a crippling fear of the unthinkable evil that looms between 12 and 14. So if you get fired from your job today, or smash up your car, you know what to blame it on. An excuse for explaining our inabilities perhaps?

The fifth day of the week and the number 13, both have ominous reputations since prehistoric times. Some people won’t go to work; eat out; many wouldn’t think of setting a wedding on this date. Multistory buildings and hotels have no 13th floor. Airplanes have no 13th aisle. Except the 13th aisle is sitting right behind the 12th, just labeled as 14 to trick you into tranquility or maybe a good laugh at your expense! So where does it come from- the fear of 13?

What is it that made the number so unlucky? Does a mere number really have the power to wreak havoc in our lives? Or is it an easy way to downsize the screw-ups we ourselves are guilty of? If your dread of 13 begins to take over your life, you should seek professional help, says Bonebright. But that can wait until Monday I guess.