Friday the 13th: Lucky or Unlucky

Friday the 13th is said to be an unlucky day. The modern reason for this is said to come from Friday October the 13th, 1307. On this date, the Pope of the church in Rome in conjunction with the King of France, carried out a secret death warrant Against "the Knights Templar". The Templars were terminated as heretics, never again to hold the power that they had held for so long. There Grand Master, Jacques DeMolay, was arrested and before he was killed, was tortured and crucified.

There are however many other stories behind it, some true and some urban legends. Superstitions about Friday being lucky or unlucky day have existed since ancient times. The number 13 has been considered unlucky for a long time. Early Romans thought 13 was a sign of death and destruction.

The fear of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia.

Coupling the number 13 and a Friday is sometimes considered very bad luck. Lucky for us there are a maximum of three Friday the 13th in one year.

Fascinating Facts about Friday the 13th:

• In French Lick Springs, Indiana, a law was once passed requiring all black cats to wear bells.
• Greek philosophers called 13 an 'imperfect' number.
• Friday was the common day for people to be hanged in the past.
• Hangmen were once paid thirteen pence halfpenny.
• Some Texans say never to cut any kind of garment on a Friday because it will not be completed.
• Many hotels have no room number 13
• Many buildings do not have a 13th floor.
• Many airplanes do not have a 13th row.
• Many ships will not start a voyage on the 13th, particularly, Friday the 13th