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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW More lightning, high winds possible ... Scientist: We need to learn to live with wildfires ... Weather or Not: June in Redding — er, I mean Ashland ... More lightning, high winds possible ... Scientist: We need to learn to live with wildfires ... Weather or Not: June in Redding — er, I mean Ashland ... LOCAL TAKE Paraskevidekatriaphobia and other superstitions Comment By John Darling for the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling for the Tidings Posted Feb. 13, 2015 at 12:01 AM By John Darling for the Tidings Posted Feb. 13, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News We may scoff at the suggestion that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day. But there are those who are so fearful of the day that there is a name for their fear: paraskevidekatriaphobia. The word is a combination of Greek words meaning "Friday" and "Thirteen." There is also a Norwegian version, called  friggatriskaidekaphobia and named in part after the Norse god Frigga (Friday). There is a similar, but shorter, word for the fear of the number 13: triskadekaphobia. According to various websites, there is no single answer for why or when Friday the 13th gained its negative reputation. Theories include that Friday was the day of Jesus Christ's crucifixion (and there were 13 people at the Last Supper) and that the ancient Egyptian believed that the 13th stage of life is death. There were also 13 in a witch’s coven. The British report a rise in accidents on that day, while the Dutch note a decline in accidents because people are being extra cautious on Friday the 13th.  You will remember Apollo 13 which was rescued from a nearly cataclysmic end. It was like flight control wanted to dare fate: They launched at 13:13 on the clock and it was crippled in an oxygen tank explosion on April 13.    It probably didn't help that Hollywood got in the act, created the "Friday the 13th" series that included a dozen slasher movies along with a variety of spinoff media. Those who are paying close attention to the calendar will note that people afflicted with paraskevidekatriaphobia won't be able to relax for too long after today: The next Friday the 13th comes in one month. Then we get a break until November. There are reports that as many as 21 million Americans are fearful of Friday the 13th, but if our unscientific survey of Ashland residents is any indication, not many of them live here.   Stephanie Bullock:  I’m not superstitious at all, never have been. I have really good luck, too. I love Friday the 13th. I get a big kick out of it. I would take Flight 1313, yes. If something is going to happen to you, it’s going to happen. Fate, not luck, is what’s there. I feel I’m always lucky because I have a postitive attitude. I got it from my parents. My mother said to think positively and you won’t get sick.   Vicky Weiss: No, I’m not superstitious, really. I find superstitions are not very profitable. I just take each day as it is. I would probably take flight 1313. I have a friend whose favorite number is 13. It’s in her home and business address. I don’t believe in fate. I believe in a combination of luck and free will.   Leif Trygg: No, I’m not superstitious. Never have been. Except as a kid I had a rabbit’s foot, but it was to gross out girls and my mom. I never paid attention to superstition. You make your own luck. I believe in free will, absolutely. ... I’m a spiritual person and I believe in synchronicity. If you put out good thoughts, good things happen. That’s about as close to luck as I can come.   Jose Smith: (declined photo) I’m like everyone else, not superstitious. Yes, I would get on Flight 1313. I figure it’s going to crash and if it doesn’t, it’s a bonus. Random things happen as they wish.   Betty Wagar: No, I don’t believe in Friday the 13th, but my daughter believes 13 is lucky and always picks that number in sports. I never think about it, why 13 is bad. I believe everything happens for a reason. I believe in positive energy, that what you put out comes back to you. Reach Ashland freelance writer John Darling at [email protected]. By John Darling for the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling for the Tidings Posted Feb. 13, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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