Friday the 13th

Why does the number 13 have such power over us? The fear of Friday the 13th is the most widespread superstition in the world. As a matter of fact, paraskevidekatriaphobia is the fear of Friday the 13th. Many believe the fear of Friday the 13th goes back to the Last Supper with Jesus Christ. There was Jesus and 12 disciples at the dinner and by the next day, Jesus was crucified and dead. 

For fun, here are some other odd facts about 13:

• A witches coven has 13 witches.
  
• Ancient Egyptians believed that there were 13 stages of spiritual ascension. 12 were covered in life, but the 13th was death.
  
• People with 13 letters in their names are supposed to be touched by the Devil.
  
• The Turks tried to have the number 13 banned.
  
• Legend says that if 13 people sit down to dinner, one will die within the year. (I think this is based off of the Last Supper.) Superstitious diners in Paris can hire a quatorzieme, or professional 14th guest.
  
• People so feared 13 that most old buildings don't have a 13th floor.
• There are 13 full moons during the year.

I only picked 7 facts to be on the safe side. Happy Friday the 13th everyone.