Friday the 13^th

Friday the 13^th, has long been a day of Superstitions for many.  Technically known as triskaidekaphobia meaning fear of the number thirteen, which stems from the Greek word friggatriskaidekaphobia (Frigga being the name of the Norse goddess for which translated to the English vernacular as “Friday”).

Many of those who believe in Superstitions, regard Friday the 13^th as unlucky, and won’t even leave their homes or plan anything that day.  As far back as the 14^th Century, Friday has always been an unlucky number and an unlucky day.  But it wasn’t until the mid-19^th Century that the first documented evidence of “Friday the 13^th”, being noted in the 1869 biography of Gioachino Rossini, who died on Friday the 13^th.  As far back as the earliest 19^th Century, Rossini has been regarded as one of the best “Opera” composers of all time.

Also relating to the Superstitions of Friday 13^th, it was on this date in October 1307 that the History of the Knights of Templar changed.  It was on this date that hundreds of the Knights Templar were arrested in France.  Trying to increase the popularity of the French Crown, Philip IV was the force behind this ruthless move; but it only tarnished the historical reputation of Clement V. From the very day of Clement V’s coronation, the king falsely charged the Templars with heresy, immorality and abuses, and undermined the authority of the Catholic Church and the Pope.

Although the Christian religion does not believe in “superstitions” – the following are theories passed through many centuries.  Thirteen also makes reference to the Last Supper when it is was believed that one of the thirteen diners will die soon after the “Supper”.  Friday is also the day that Jesus was crucified, again making Friday a day to be feared.

Although they are just “superstitions” stemming from Centuries of “folklore” passed done to various generations, I must make note of the horrendous storm with thunder, lighting, and flooding, was began last night, only to awake this morning to look out the window on Friday the 13^th to see trees down once again, roads flooded and closed.  Also noted is the destruction of 6 blocks of stores and the newly rebuilt Boardwalk from a horrendous fire which started yesterday in “Seaside Heights” NJ, which has just finished rebuilding after the destruction a year ago from Hurricane Sandy.  Today they are just discovering that everything rebuild and been once again destroyed.

So those who think Friday the 13^th is just another day, I really wonder as I look around at all the destruction this morning.

I should note my Grandmother was born on Friday the 13^th (December 13), and no she was not a witch, or practiced spells, but was a great influence in my life, and who says I am normal!