It's Friday the 13th: Here's where the superstitious day came from
Today is Friday the 13th!
If you get a little superstitious, you're not alone. At least 10 percent of the U.S. population has a fear of the No. 13.
The condition is known as paraskevidekatriaphobia.
More than $800 million is lost annually because of Friday the 13th, since people avoid getting married, traveling and even working.
The history of the unlucky day is shrouded in mystery. Some link its beginning to the Code of Hammurabi, which may have omitted a 13th rule from its list.
Others say it originated with ancient Sumerians, who considered the No. 12 “perfect,” and the number that followed it imperfect.
Others say the notorious day began on Friday the 13th in October 1307. France’s King Philip IV had hundreds of Knights Templar members arrested.
The Templars were tortured and eventually burned at the stake.
Many high-rise buildings, hotels and hospitals don’t have 13th floors, and many airports don’t have gates numbered 13.