by Leslie Cox; Friday, December 13, 2013

Today is Friday the 13th!

If you are one of those millions of people who fear this day, there is a word for you: friggatriskaidekaphobic.

 

friggastriskaidekaphobia – (n) fear of Friday the 13th

‘Frigg’ or ‘frigga’ is the name of the Norse goddess from which ‘Friday’ is derived. ‘Triskaidekaphobia’ means ‘fear of the number 13’.

This is the original word bestowed to describe people who fear the occurrence of this date in their calendar week. It dates back to the 14th century at least.

For more modern times, the word “paraskevidekatriaphobia” also means fear of Friday the 13th. Originating in 1911, this word has seen more popular use in literature since 1953.

‘Paraskevi’ is Greek for Friday and ‘dekatreis’ is Greek for the number 13.

I was surprised to read there are anywhere from 21 to 25 million Americans who hold this fear. Many refuse to go to work, or even get out of bed on this day. They will not travel, pick this date for a special occasion as a wedding or schedule surgery. Many are completely debilitated by their fear of this date. Incredible.

My cousin, Kathryn, is certainly not phased by the date. She and her wonderful guy set their date to get married on July 13th, 2013.

I cannot say I am particularly nervous about the 13th falling on a Friday either. However, I do try to be very particular on this date to start the day with positive thoughts. Always a good thing to start off on the right foot to my way of thinking.