What's in a Word?

Trece.  Dreizehn.  Treize.  Trzynaście.  Dertien.  . . . Triskaidekaphobia.

The first Friday the 13th of 2017.  Are you scared, worried?  On this continent, it’s been said that millions fear this “unlucky” day in one shape or from.  As Spock would have said, “Fascinating.”

This appears to date back to the Middle Ages with the tale of Jesus’ last supper and crucifixion.  Thirteen persons were at the supper on the 13th day of Nisan Maundy Thursday (which was the night before he died on Good Friday).

However, in Spanish-speaking countries, Tuesday the 13th is considered unlucky, while Friday the 17th is viewed a day of ill luck in Italy.  The Aztecs, on the other hand, had a 13-day week and believed this number sacred.  In fact, the number 13 can be found in a plethora of instances. 

Tarot Card #13 = Death.  This, however, could simply pertain to getting rid of something old and moving on to something new.





There are 13 stripes in the U.S. flag (thirteen colonies = the first 13 states).





The 13thS. president was Millard Fillmore while Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743.





The U.S. 1$ bill has 13 bars on the shield, 13 leaves on the olive branch, 13 arrows and 13 stars. There are also13 plumes of feathers on each eagle wing.  Thirteen letters can be found in both “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “ANNUIT COEPTIS”.





Prohibition lasted 13 years.





In a traditional British Christmas pudding, 13 ingredients are a “must”.

The list goes on.  Fascinating.