For some reason, Friday the 13th frightens some people. I always thought this was a good day to avoid black cats and ladders, but other than that, I've never given Friday the 13th much thought. Apparently, though, there are people who have a true fear of this day, which is called Paraskevidekatriaphobia. There may actually be something to this, because according to a 1993 article in the British Medical Journal, there are many more hospital admissions due to accidents on a Friday the 13th than on any other Friday of the year. And yet people tend to avoid traveling or even going out on Friday the 13th. So why all the accidents?
By the way, Paraskevidekatriaphobia comes from the Greek words paraskevi (Friday) and dekatria (thirteen). A related term, Triskaidekaphobia, refers to people who fear the number 13 in general.
I do know of someone who is not at all "paraskevidekatriaphobic" on this wonderful, beautiful Friday the 13th. My daughter actually turned 13 today!!!