Friday the 13th

Today is Friday the 13th – the only one in 2021. Are you superstitious? Does Friday the 13th give you the creeps, even just a little?

There are many reasons why this day has such a bad rap. History tells us that Noah’s flood was on Friday the 13th. Much more recently, President Trump declared a National Emergency due to the Covid pandemic on Friday, March 13, 2020. A quick Google search finds Friday the 13th murders, bombings, lightning strikes, storms and a deadly cruise ship disaster.

Approximately one-fourth of Americans choose not to leave their homes on Friday the 13th unless absolutely necessary. Businesses lose money due to people not wanting to shop or dine out.

The number 13 follows the complete number 12: 12 months in the year, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 days of Christmas, etc. Many hotels and hospitals do not have a 13th floor. Some passengers refuse to sit on the 13th row of an airplane.

The flip side is that many people choose 13 as their lucky number. Athletes want to be Number 13. Lottery players choose 13 for the power ball.

And, who doesn’t like Friday! Is TGIF still applicable if the Friday happens to fall on the 13th of the month?

Black cats, walking under ladders and broken mirrors are all other popular superstitions. Athletes tend to develop their own superstitions based on their history of luck and/or bad luck. Michael Jordan always wore his blue UNC shorts under his NBA shorts for good luck. A certain runner we know, ate Chipotle the night before every race.

We are not superstitious about Friday the 13th. Don’s baseball jersey number was 13 because he was a huge fan of Dave Concepción who played shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds. Coincidentally, Don also played shortstop. Another of Don’s favorite players, Omar Vizquel, was also number 13. We would also both agree, Thank Goodness It’s Friday!