Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day by many.

(Photo courtesy of Think Stock)

This Friday is considered an unlucky day to many superstitious people.

Friday the 13th causes some to change their daily routines, stay home and lose a day of work, or even stay in bed all day to avoid the bad luck brought on by the calendar.

Here are 13 fun facts about Friday the 13th from legends to the popular film franchise inspired by the fear.

1. The fear of Friday the 13th gained widespread popularity in the 20th century.

2. Triskadekaphobia is the fear of the number 13, and paraskevidekatriaphobia is the fear of Friday the 13th.

3. Friday and the number 13 are both associated with the crucifixion of Christ. There were 13 people at the last supper - the 13th being Judas - and the crucifixion took place on a Friday.

4. In numerology, the number 12 is associated with completeness as in 12 months of the year, 12 hours of the clock day, 12 Apostles of Jesus, 12 signs of the zodiac. In contrast, the number 13 is considered irregular, transgressing this completeness.

5. There is a superstition that having 13 people at a table results in the death of one of the diners.

6. The Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in North Carolina reports that between 17 and 21 million Americans fear Friday the 13th. The institute also estimates that approximately $900 million is lost in the business world on a Friday the 13th.

7. Many tattoo shops ink special Friday the 13th tattoos for only $13 on this special day. Select artists at this year's Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention will be doing Friday the 13th tattoos.

8. Many skyscrapers don't have a thirteenth floor. The number 13 may be skipped in the list of levels, the floor may be referred to as 12A or M - the thirteenth letter of the alphabet - or the floor could be closed off from the public by designating it a mechanical floor.

9.The original "Friday the 13th" movie opened on May 9, 1980, in 1,100 theaters across the country and brought in more than $5 million the first weekend. Ultimately, the theater run of the classic horror film took in nearly $40 million in the states, and more than $59 million globally.

10. The "Friday the 13th" movie franchise released 12 movies between 1980 and 2009, beginning with the original and ending with a remake of the original.

11. Yet another new twist on the "Friday the 13th" movies is in the works, according to Dread Central's website.

12. The Knights of Templar were wiped out by King Philip of France on Friday, Oct. 13, 1307.

13. In 2017, my birthday will fall on Friday the 13th of October.

Kelly Roncace may be reached at kroncace@southjerseymedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kellylin89. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.