Paraskavedekatriaphobia.

Ok, so what the heck is that word and how the heck do you say it? Well, it obviously it is a fear of something....it's a fear of Friday the 13th. Somewhere between 17 and 21 million people suffer from this fear.

If Friday the 13th is truly an unlucky day, then 2009 is an unusually unlucky year. 2009 is a triple threat. There was one in February....today and then another in November. This only happens once in 11 years. Next year, there will only be one Friday the 13th, which will happen in August.

So where does Friday and the 13th as being seen as unlucky come from. Quiet honestly, the origins are a little murky. Some believe (and I am not trying to be religious here) it all began when the 13th guest at the Last Supper betrayed Jesus. By the time the Middle Ages rolled around BOTH Friday and the 13th were considered to be bearers of misfortune. In modern day society this superstition permeates society.

Here are 13 fun facts about Friday and 13:

*Some hospitals, hotels and tall buildings skip the13th floor.

*Some airline terminals skip Gate 13.

*FDR would never travel on the 13th day of any month nor would he ever host a gathering or dinner party for only 13 guests. In Paris, you can actually hire someone to be the 14th guest.

*The number 13 may suffer somewhat of inferiority complex...there are 12 months, 12 days of Christmas, 12 items comprise a dozen, 12 apostles of Jesus, 12 Zodiac signs, 12 hours on a clock....and the lists goes on. I guess 12 seems to take on the idea as being a "complete" number and 13 is seen as being irregular.

*According to insurance companies, there are less accidents, fires and thefts reported on this day. Seems people are being overly cautious and tend to stay at home.

*You are not supposed to change you sheets on Friday...it will bring bad dreams.

*Never cut you nails on Friday, you cut them for sorrow.

*A ship that sets sail on Friday will have bad luck.

*Butch Cassidy, notorious American train and bank robber, was born on Friday, April 13, 1866.

*Fidel Castro was born on Friday, Aug. 13, 1926.

*The seals on the back of a dollar bill include 13 steps on the pyramid, 13 stars above the eagle's head, 13 war arrows in the eagle's claw and 13 leaves on the olive branch.

*Woodrow Wilson considered 13 his lucky number.

*Hurricane Charley made landfall in south Florida on Friday, August 13, 2004.

For me, today is just like any other day. I'm going about my normal activities as usual. How about you? Are you superstitious? Does today bother you? Post a comment below and let me know!