@bloghomework @missy @rambo @lyxzen
As far as I can remember, I have had many superstitions that I feel compelled to participate in. Some of the top contenders that bother me are walking under ladders, open umbrellas indoors, the number 13 (with literally anything), and oddly enough...black cats.
The first couple are not so bad but the last two, (13 and black cats) have definitely ruled my life. I've changed airplane flights, not accepted theatre tickets, have bought something extra to change the total on a receipt and more due to the number 13. Black cats have made me turn my car around and go a completely different way to avoid crossing its path.
Let's only chat about that number 13...(geez us even typing the number is making me feel weird). This number is considered by many in the world to be an unlucky number. Most of this is derived originally from way back when the number 12 was considered THE perfect number and the number 13 was considered lacking and unusual. This fear of the unknown would seem to play into two other popular theories for the number’s unlucky connotation, both of which revolve around the appearance of a 13th guest at two ancient events: In the Bible, Judas Iscariot, the 13th apostle to arrive at the Last Supper, is the person who betrays Jesus. Meanwhile ancient Norse lore holds that evil and turmoil were first introduced in the world by the appearance of the treacherous and mischievous god Loki at a dinner party in Valhalla. He was the 13th guest, upsetting the balance of the 12 gods already in attendance.
Now given what the lore will tell us that some of this number's bad existence is partly fueled by religion, for a person like me (a big time apatheismist) that doesn't phase me. What does phase me are the occurrences of "things" that coincedentally happen involving, whether directly or indirectly, the number 13. Like for instance, Apollo 13 being the only unsuccessful Apollo mission or my most intimate of black baggage...on October 13, 1972 (coincidently the year I was born) 2 passenger airline crashes resulted in the death of 203 people. Thus envoking subconciously my fear of flying as well. This combination 13 and flying can be a lethal combination to me when planning a trip. In order for it to be successful, (I.e. Avoiding as many freak outs as possible) I need to plan the trip myself and ensure that there is not a chance 13 will end up in any of the ticketing/boarding/flight and seat assignments (or if on Southwest, boarding line number). And yes, to answer your question, am I really that bad? I have switched an entire flight plan on the day of the flight because we had to leave from a gate 213. In my world 213 is even worse when I'm traveling with my wife because that means (again, I know it's crazy) to me that something will happen to us times 2! Statistically, traveling on Friday the 13th has not been as problematic as any other day of the year. However, I can't seem to shut it off. 😔
