Here is the lesson for today:
Friday the 13th is anything you choose: happy, scary, lucky, or legendary.
According to a New York Times article: while the exact roots are murky, historians say there are several theories as to why fear of this specific date took hold in parts of Europe and North America.
The No. 13 has long been linked to ill fortune in mythology and religion. In one Norse tale, a dinner party of 12 gods derails when Loki, the god of mischief, shows up uninvited. The number also represents betrayal at the biblical Last Supper that Jesus shares with his disciples, with Judas Iscariot joining as the 13th guest.
Fear of the No. 13 (called triskaidekaphobia) or of Friday the 13th in particular (called paraskevidekatriaphobia) might exist. Still, psychologists say few people are likely to be debilitated enough by those fears to seek treatment.
Remember, singer Taylor Swift loves the number 13.
There are more ill omens than just the 13th. In parts of East Asia, the No. 4 is considered unlucky because in many languages it sounds similar to the word for “death.”
In Italy, the unlucky number is 17, while in Spain and Greece, it’s Tuesday the 13th, not Friday, that sends a shudder.
If you’re uneasy, focusing more on positive rituals and beliefs, from “lucky” years to “lucky” routines, may be more beneficial.
I choose positive, FUN, and optimistic. Additionally, I truly dislike scary decorations like bloody masks and hanging bodies from the roof.
However you observe today, be lucky!
Aloha,
Denise
