Don’t "walk under any ladders, don’t break any mirrors, don’t spill any salt and don’t let any black cats cross your path. Things are bad enough — it’s Friday the 13th!" — Anon. To say that Friday 13th is thought by some to be an unlucky day is no exaggeration. According to the Stress Management Centre and Phobia Institute in the US, an estimated 17-million to 21-million people in the US are affected by a fear of this day; some avoiding their normal routines, taking flights or even getting out of bed. It’s estimated that $800m to $900m is lost in business on this day. The 13th day of the month falls on a Friday at least once every year and up to three times a year. In 2017, it occurs twice, in January and October. Every month that begins on a Sunday has a Friday the 13th. There will be two Friday the 13ths per year until 2020, where 2021 and 2022 will have just one occurrence. The superstition surrounding this day may have its origin in the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, in which ther...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.