Friday the 13th, 3 this year, 13 weeks apart

Friday the 13th, 3 this year, 13 weeks apart (Alberta Times) For those who are afraid of Friday the 13th, this year may not be easy, because there are three 13ths...

Friday the 13th, 3 this year, 13 weeks apart (Alberta Times) For those who are afraid of Friday the 13th, this year may be difficult because there are three Friday the 13th, namely in January, April and July 13th. Normally there are only two Friday the 13ths in a year, but in 2011 there was only one. Not only that, this year marks the first time since 1984 that three Friday the 13ths are all 13 weeks apart. There are three Friday the 13ths every few years, with the last one in 2009 and the next one in 2015. Foensler, a University of Delaware mathematics professor known as Dr. 13, said what's special about 2012 is that it is a leap year, and the next leap year with three Friday the 13ths is 2040. Forensler said it's hard not to have feelings about Friday the 13th. "I found that 95 percent of the people in the world are superstitious about something, and the other 5 percent are liars." The 13th and Friday often appear in mythology, supernatural and religious traditions. In Christianity, 13 people attended the Last Supper of Jesus before he was betrayed by Judas, and Jesus died on Friday. Norse mythology also warns of dire consequences for 13 people eating together. In addition, Friday the 13th is the day when the "Knights Templar" were imprisoned in the Middle Ages. Foensler said that Friday the 13th is actually not uncommon. During the 400 years, the 13th fell on Friday a total of 688 times, more than on any other day. Famous people born on Friday the 13th include Castro, Cassidy and others. Friday the 13th and other superstitions such as holding an umbrella indoors, breaking a mirror, a black cat running across the road, walking under a ladder, the number 666 bringing bad luck, crossing fingers, making a wish on a chicken bone, knocking on wood, the rabbit's foot mascot, picking up a penny, and good luck for novices in gambling or competition, all have a background in myths, historical customs, literary songs, and religious traditions. Some serve as warnings to avoid dangerous behaviors, and some are "self-fulfilling prophecies."