I love the myths behind just about anything sinister. Friday the 13th is no different.
It starts with Triskaidekaphobia.
Think about just how many tall buildings you have been in that do not have a 13th floor.
https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/triskaidekaphobia
Seems the main negative myths associated with number 13 and especially Fridays that fall on that date often involve a situation when a 13th person arrives uninvited or unwanted at some meeting of other important people.
For the Vikings, it was Loki showing up as lucky 13 at a dinner for 12 gods in Valhalla.
For the Catholics, it was Judas Iscariot showing up at The Last Supper.
Then there are other bad luck events, like the mass arrest of the Knights Templar – that mystical group of warriors – on Friday, October 13th, 1307, by King Philip IV of France.
Truth is that any month beginning on a Sunday will all have a Friday the 13th and there is at least one such questionably lucky day every year.
https://sc.edu/uofsc/posts/2022/10/conversation_thirteen.php
This September is 2024’s lucky month. Lucky us gets another bite at the lucky apple on Friday, December 13th.
For me, personally, I enjoy Friday the 13th. Given the prevalence of the superstition even the most rational of us go out of their way to be careful avoiding any unfortunate happenstance. That individual extra care makes everyone else a bit safer.
I also enjoy how even the non-believers feel that tiny bit of anxiety, despite publically scoffing at such nonsense. And if something unfortunate does happen to occur, they scramble to debunk any supernatural relationship. Me thinks thou protests too much.
And I would love Friday even if every one of them fell on the 13th. To me, the magical end of every work and school week is so deeply embedded in my psyche, for so long, nothing could shake it.
And not everyone has a problem with Friday the 13th.
So, let’s not worry about this Friday being the 13th of this month. But it never hurts to be just a little more careful out there. And sure, cast an incantation or two if the mood moves you.
And if you are meeting a group of friends for dinner, count heads before sitting down at that table.
Well, Friday morning is rapidly approaching, and I have kitties to cuddle and rounds to make.
Then I have to finalize a brilliant brief and then move on to supporting documentation. Have to get it all wrapped before next Friday, because then I’m off the radar for ten days being just a writer. Who says there is no magic in this world?!
You fine, five readers, slip into your best skyving shoes and waltz through as short a work day as you can manage. The weekend is not going to plan itself.
But don’t do anything crazy, you never want to tempt fate.
And whatever else we get up to, let us make today a great one.
