"Friday the 13th" & other SUPERSTITIONS
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Scary, silly or serious?
Within the spooky world of the Superstitious, Friday the 13th. is a day of dread and disaster. Believers everywhere are on high alert, checking their schedules and bracing themselves for what evil, misfortune or dastardly deed may befall them. On this day, the superstitious of our breed will trust no one, proceed with extreme caution and embrace paranoia.
Could this be you? Are you that person with a rabbit's foot or four-leaf clover in your pocket, because "one never knows where or when bad luck will pounce upon us.?" Are you prepared for the worst that could possibly happen today? You have convinced yourself, this day will not end without a spontaneous combustion, freak accident or irreparable harm upon your person, haven't you?
To you, my friend, I say, "Calm thy Spirit." I offer you peace, comfort and protection. Fear not, for your freedom from danger is at hand.
Snap out of it and get a grip, for cryin out loud!! Hello? Can we talk? How about a clear and simple reality check? Superstitions?! Please, tell me you don't really entertain this bunk, nonsense, hocus-pocus. Aren't the genuine problems and serious issues of everyday living, enough for you? You truly feel the need to conjure up visions of broken bones, burning buildings and sinking ships?
OK, I'm sorry. I sincerely apologize for being so rude and abrupt. I should have some compassion for the weak-of-brain.....ah, I mean, the faint-of-heart...or....honestly, I don't know how to refer to my fellow-man who has leapt head-first into the deep, dark hole of Superstitions. It's a very sad situation.
The DEFINITION, in easy-to-understand terms
Superstition-- Any belief or attitude based on fear or ignorance, that is inconsistent with the known laws of science or what is considered true and rational.
There exists any number of common superstitions. However, as though the common kind are not sufficiently ridiculous, there are the weird superstitions, and worse, the bizarre. The latter can go the distance straight into extremely crippling phobias. Isn't this special? Just in case things are going smoothly and you're pretty happy about your life, there's always the threat of doom & gloom to destroy it all before your very eyes. Of course, this would be reasonably attributed to the fact that you broke the bathroom mirror this morning. Oh wait, don't be so quick to be sure. Remember, you stepped directly on that damned crack in the parking lot this morning! What did you expect after doing such a stupid thing?
One of the secretaries, Galdys, in our office, admits to being "very superstitious." We never expect to see her at work on Friday the 13th. She surprised us this year by showing up. We figured it was because she had taken the day off last week for a family emergency. She had to drive her poor husband to the emergency room where it took 22 stitches to close the gash on his forehead. It seems Gladys had hung an iron horseshoe above their bed to prevent her from having nightmares. She was pleased at how well this worked for her.
The superstitious are everywhere. There's our neighbor, Joe, who'll often stop by to chat in the morning. Just yesterday he popped in while the hubby and I were sharing the newspaper over coffee. Joe loves to chat. "Mornin, folks....I KNEW it, yep, I sure did!" Hubby bites, "Hi Joe, you knew what?" "Well, Joe continues, Old man Zuckerstein passed away in the middle of the night." My turn to speak, "Oh, dear, how sad.....and just how did you know that would happen, Joe?" "Yep, I KNEW it. All night long I heard that owl just a-hootin away..Hoo Hoo...scared the heck outta me....I knew somebody in my apartment building was gonna die." I'll admit there was a little pause of silence right then, but I spoke up soon enough. Looking at my husband, I said, "Honey, maybe you should call Wildlife Conservation. I'm looking at the obituary section and there's about 40 names in here. Isn't that an inordinate number of OWLS for one little town?" Never fear, that went straight over Joe's head. He was much too preoccupied.
Some of the nicest people, ordinarily sensible individuals, can be the superstitious type. A lot of this stems from family and upbringing. Grandparents can pass down old myths and folk tales that when you're just a kid, seem mystical and interesting. I recall my grandmother having some incredible "beliefs" and sharing her tales with her grandkids. More than once she told my sister and I, "If the first butterfly you see in the beginning of the year is white, you will have good luck all year." Hmmmm, really Gram? We sure wouldn't be disrespectful to Grandma, but between you and me....We live in snow country. The only white butterflies we see in January or February are MOTHS. Does this mean our "good luck," will be holes in all our sweaters? Swell !
I suppose I've given a piece of my mind. It's not gonna matter much. Things like this, that are part of someone's belief system....things they've held onto for one reason or another for years and years....are just THAT...a part of them. Even if they deny being "superstitious," you may witness them throwing salt over their shoulder, going OUT the same door they came IN or avoiding being third on a match. Hey, it is what it is. Silly, spooky ridiculous or deadly serious, whatever you believe.
Just one more thing I thought I'd mention to the hardcore superstitious....This year, there's a second "Friday the 13th," in April.....and a third in July. Good Luck & pleasant dreams.
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Hi Susan.....of course you had "forgotten" it was the 13th! You're not superstitious. Those who are, probably didn't sleep last night....and will STAY IN THE HOUSE ALL DAY!!! lol. I'm glad you stopped by. Hey! maybe it's "good Luck" to be the first to leave a comment?? LOL
I didn't know it was the 13th until a friend texted me at 10:30 and said Happy 13th! I laughed!! Just plain silly!! Black cats kinda freak me out though!! Haha!! Great idea for a hub!!
I'm not superstitious, so paid no attention to today's date until you pointed it out. The only reason I can think of not to walk under a ladder is if it's wobbly and might fall on my head. Good thing black cats don't frighten me: there are about eight of them on this block alone!
Jaye....you are not the 1st to admit not even being aware of the date today until my hub! This is good to know. I've know so many superstitious people in my day and it boggles my mind. Mostly because they're basically smart people, so I have to wonder what the heck went wrong for them to hang on to some of this "Voo-Doo." Thanks for the visit. Always gald to hear from you!
Great article! I am not superstitious per say, but I do watch animal behavior which I don't think is related. I believe in the metaphysics behind positive and negative thinking and think that has a direct outcome on our situations. If a person puts negativity out into the universe, through superstitions or whatever, I think they draw that back to them. But I don't believe in the wives tales.. LOL!
Love to hear all about superstitions and I talk about them all the time, but don't really believe them. As a child I felt sorry for all the black cats out there and brought many stray black cats home!
Paula, my ex-husband was named Jason, and he was born on Friday the 13th. I think you already know of the movie and the rest of the story? Anyway, thank you for the Hub reminder. I didn't realize today was Friday the 13th, but then again, you can always tell me to get my retired head out of my ass because any day above ground is a good day. Voted up and all that.
Oops..it came and went and I totally missed it. Reading this hub was the first time I realized it was the big day yesterday here in China.
Yet you didn't mention why we fear the day . . . Google Knights Templar, the church chose Friday the 13th to go on a killing spree back in the Middle Ages and wipe out all the Knights Templar.
The Knights had achieved too much success by instituting a form of banking and threatened the Church and the ruling class, so they did what they have been doing for thousands of years they went on a killing spree.
Sunshine....Hello my dear...now, now, you can say it...black cats creep you out because you're not all that fond of cats in general.lol but even people who love cats will admit there is something a little spooky about looking into the green eyes of a black cat. Also, they're associated with "Witches" in Fairy Tales....Poor black cats, what a Bum Rap!! lol
TAMMY...YES, absolutely to "metaphysics." I'm a firm believer in that real "power." I even appreciate superstitions being used in HUMOR...but I have a couple of friends who are "Bingo" nuts (lol) and they BELIEVE in all sorts of wierd things that bring "LUCK." ya know what, Tammy? They've never won!!! So, WHERE's the luck??LMAO!!
justateacher....How sweet....you were a young hero who rescued strays too, huh? Did you drive your parents nuts??? lol
Hmmmm, Arlene, about your EX, Jason...is he still amongst the living?? LOL!!
Steve....CHINA??? you need to send us all some inspirational CHINESE PROVERBS!! OH yeah...and some FORTUNE COOKIES!! How will I know what my day will be like without my fortune cookie? Thank you for visiting!
Something blue...You see? Yet another wonderful thing about Hubpages and our fellow-hubbers. You have just enlightened me. I did not know this "info". Probably why I didn't mention it. LOL Thank you kindly
Sometimes I don't even know that it's Friday the 13th so I never suspect a thing. Honestly, if the day were somehow cursed, I think we'd hear a lot more reports of strange events occurring.
Whew....Friday went just fine....we did our normal routine....at midnight we took all the pillows/blankets in the house and put them into one room....we covered anything with an edge or a hard corner..then the whole family stayed in that room and then we waited 24 hours before leaving the room....and once again....the family survived....but we are not superstitious....lol.
On a serious side...very well done...I enjoyed reading your hub, and I have also enjoyed reading the comments as well...voted up and interesting.
In regards to black cats - superstition has caused pet shelters to make sure that no black cats are adopted out in October. You can never be sure for what purpose a black cat will be adopted.
As for certain things causing bad luck and certain things causing good luck, this is true. Fore example, not paying your taxes will result in bad luck. Meanwhile, looking where you are going and avoiding backing off of the edge a cliff will result in good luck. Haha!
mandy...You have a point there! and the fact is, if we don't hear about all these Friday the 13th disasters, they must not be happening!! All I know is, whatever happens on Fri the 13th....can and DOES happen any other day of the year! LOL Thank you for visiting. I appreciate meeting you.
Cogerson, you punked me! At first I thought you were serious.....duh, boy am I dumb. LOL Very glad you made it through the 13th unscathed! What on earth would ever do for MOVIE NEWS???
Flora...YOU are too funny. I love your sly sense of humor. (I did not know that about October and black cats) But I am aware weird people have been known to do very inhumane things to innocent animals. Oh, and one more thing, thanks for the "heads up" about backing off the edge of cliffs! LOL.....has someone told you about my horrible clumsiness? NUTS! there goes my image! Thanks for stopping by.
I got married on a Friday the 13th and we are doing okay so far!!! :)
Friday 13th - LOL -- I live in Port Dover Ontario - Every friday the 13th is a biker party in Dover - Youtube search pd13 and you will find many more videos like this one .. fun times.
Stokermm.....I was SURE that I replied to your comment!!?? hmmmm, must be my old brain playing tricks on me. I'm positive you and hubby will do just fine FOREVER.....after all...you're a little ray of Sunshine! Thanks for stopping by, sweetie.
That's right....Michelle got married on Friday the 13th, goes to show how insignificant the date is to us:))
Neil....I love the name Neil so much, I snuck it in as my 4th son's middle name.....thanks so much for filling me in on what goes on in Ontario (just over the bridge from me!!) on Friday the 13th! and I appreciate the video. Thanks for stopping by. Come again anytime!
Paula,
I LOL'd many times throughout this fun piece of work. One word to describe your writing that I love: ENGAGING. I love the humor and sarcasm, my kind of stuff. My mother taught my sisters and I very early on that Friday the 13th was a lucky day. Hope all is well with you, take care,
Sharyn
Sharyn!! You really are my kind a gal! Always turn what's labled "bad" into something GOOD. It confuses the heck out of every one and they also wonder what you're up to. Shhhhh...never tell. It's our little secret!. Glad you stopped by. I've missed you.
The same Friday the 13th that my youngest son was born, I also closed on my first house. I must say that I consider 13 a "lucky" number for me and if it falls on Friday, it's even better :-). Great article about superstitions. I must admit that I do have some superstitions however, such as not putting my purse on the floor so that my money doesn't drain away. In actuality, it just keeps it from getting dirty. I won't sweep around someone's feet. We know that keeps them from getting dust all over them. Anyway, thanks for sharing such an interesting hub.
Well....I guess the 13th. has been lucky for you! I'm not the least bit superstitious, but I like teasing people who are....My Mom had some crazy ones and my sister and I had so much fun playing on her phobias. Fortunately she had a sense of humor too.
You have mentioned 2 superstitions I have never heard of. There must be millions of them around the world!!!!
So far so good with my 13th. Kinda. Not really. Ok, it could have been worse. So far so good!:)
You remind me of the guy on "Green Acres." I can't think of his name right now, but he talks like that...in circles.....changing his mind every other word. He cracks me up...but not as much as YOU!!!!
It was either Eb or Mr. Haney. Or Arnold the Pig. No, Arnold was smarter than both of them.
And my ex.
I remind you of Eb (Thanks Arlene)! I think. Not sure. Ok, thanks!
Oh, stop it, Eb/Sunshine. I cannot stop laughing. I would much rather be Lisa, who dripped diamonds and wore fancy clothes around that little farmhouse. Ah, to be a Size 2!
Yes....yes...it was Mr. Haney!!! Thank you for the answer! That guy was so damned funny. not as funny as Sunshine....but....funny.
Speaking of funny.....AVP... I love the bunny ears...is that is honor of the Easter Bunny or have you perhaps taken up residency in the mansion with HUGH?? lmao
Eb or Haney, whichever it is...I thank you! "Green Acres is the place I want to be" straight jacket and the padded room! Bahahaha! How is Hugh doing Arlene??? :))
Hi from Jason on Friday the 13th. Experts believe most superstitions grew from true events...
Jason....I can believe that easily. I mean, if someone a hundred years ago walked under a ladder and suddenly a brick fell on his head....or a black cat crossed some dude's path and he then tripped and fell off a cliff........yeah, I can see this sort of stuff being born of mishaps & tragedies and being passed on from person to person for generations....and of course, through the years they're all elaborated on.
I always thought that superstitions came somewhat from particular "rituals" & customs too..... Thanks for stopping by. Great comment!!
Aye, 'tis true, and our beloved Scottish and Irish peoples of yore were experts on embellishing on the mundane. Superstitions shouldn't be easily dismissed, because they're better described as ancient warnings to us future peoples.
Tag teaming! Tag teaming! Paula, those bunny ears were $1 at Target (Targay). I could not pass them up. Oh, no! Not the Hef! He would never let me in his hutch. But maybe there is hope. We can go shopping for matching bathrobes???
LMAO....AVP...Now there's a good idea. I take it you don robes more ofen than street clothes....I have a robe for every day of the week....I hate wearing the same thing everyday!!! I even have socks to match my robes.
I am sooooooooooooooo impressed, Paula! I absolute Love, Love, Love your idea of daily robes and socks to match! Remember back in the day when they sold panties with Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc. embroidered on the hip! Maybe you should have an 8th robe specially made for Friday the 13th! Outstanding! Hef doesn't even do that!
Very cool hub and voted up! I think I saw one of those black cats under a ladder tonight. Yeah, you guessed it. Some guy walked underneath the ladder to pick up the cat and incidentally broke the poor mirror that he was holding. LOL
Fascinating! I, too scoff at all this unsubstantiated nonsense.
My husband takes the opposite tack--he considers Friday the 13th to be a GOOD luck day for him, as his son was born on a Friday 13th. ;-)
Most people do not realize the power of the mind, and by constantly focusing on the negative, you are sending that energy out into the universe, and it's probably going to bounce back at you: in other words, it's liable to create what is known as a self-fulfilling prophecy. Of course you're going to have bad luck: you've willed it upon yourself.
As for the most common of superstitions, please allow me to add my take:
1) Black cats. We miss our dear black kitty terribly. They are among THE sweetest and most loving and cuddly kitties around. If a black cat crossed my path, I'd be delighted.
2) Walking under ladders. This is supposedly from a safety standpoint, in case the person working above drops something. If you think about it, however, it would take some pretty funny bounces and strange sideways gravitational pulls to cause a dropped anything to land UNDER the ladder. It's more likely to fall directly off to the sides, or bounce off the rungs and land behind. IMO, it's actually safer to pass under the ladder.
3) Rabbit's foot. Pure nonsense, and sure not lucky for the poor rabbit!
4) Broken mirrors. Well, there is the hazard of getting cut on broken glass, so clean up the mess really well, and vacuum if it's on carpet. On hard floors, did you know that a wet paper towel is the best at picking up tiny bits of broken glass too small to grasp (but still large enough to stab your foot, or be licked up by a pet)? It's true. 7 years bad luck, though? Pshaw! (Refer to self-created "luck," above.)
Thanks for a very interesting and sensible read with a great humorous twist. Voted up, interesting, awesome and shared.
DzyMsLizzy....you are the Queen of realistic Information and common sense! Everything you said is so reasoable and understandable.....We need more women like you to teach the masses of VooDoo Freaks who GLOW with negative vibes!
Thank you so much. I always enjoy your visits!
An insightful and engaging hub! I have heard that not only they believe in Friday the 13th but also this number 13 and they skipped this number in hotel-rooms, elevator-levels, aeroplane-seats, etc. Yesterday went smoothly as it was a festival for me and my family - Tamil New Year in my country-state and we celebrated it happily!
Thanks for SHARING. Useful & Interesting. Voted up.
ishwaryaa22.....Nice to you see you here! Yes, it is all true about the number 13....My dearly departed & overly-superstitious Mother, would not sit for dinner at a table of 13 people.
Her mother.....from the "Old Country," emigrated here with a huge trunk full of tricks and potions, spells and superstitions. And, btw, they were not happy with the scoffing and laughter of my generation.....so sometmes, we had to pretend we believed. Elsewise, our grandmother would mark our forehead with a cross, using olive oil, to chase away the devil.
Oh yeah.....can we say, "Cuckoo?"
Just Ask Susan Level 8 Commenter 4 months ago
I had forgotten it was Friday the 13th today. I've never been a person that believes in superstitions. I remember I would be walking with my grandmother as a child and if I saw a ladder leaning against a building I would go walk under it. She would have a fit as she was superstitious. I would just say it's okay gramma nothing bad is going to happen. But there are many people out there that are very superstitious. I enjoyed reading your hub and Happy 13th :)