Jan 13, 2017
We have all heard the superstitions and fears associated with any Friday the 13th. Here in an article from fearof.net we get a thorough understanding of the background, causes and possible treatment of that phobia.
Fear of The Number 13 Phobia – Triskaidekaphobia
Triskaidekaphobia is persistent, irrational and unwarranted fear of the number 13. This number has always been associated with something negative or evil: Jesus’ famous Last supper had 13 guests, the 13th being the same one who betrayed Him. People with Triskaidekaphobia are called Triskaidekaphobes. They tend to experience severe anxiety at the thought or sight of this number. As a result, they might refuse to step out of their homes on the 13th day of each month or avoid anything that has to do with it. In many cases, this fear can be deeply debilitating.
Even more common is the fear of number 13 that arrives on a Friday. This fear or phobia associated with Friday the 13th is termed as Paraskevidekatriaphobia. . In France, King Philip IV was known to have conducted raids, arrested and tried the templar knights on charges of blasphemy, homosexuality etc on October 13th 1307, which happened to be a Friday. Friday the 13th has hence been known to be associated with many urban legends.
There are many superstitious beliefs associated with Friday as well: it is believed that evil arises on this day, especially because Lord Jesus’ crucifixion took place on a Friday. People are hence known to avoid gambling or buying lottery tickets on this day. (However, contrary evidence has actually shown that many lucky winners have won millions of dollars playing the lottery on Friday the 13th and children born on Friday the 13th are actually considered blessed in some cultures). Hence, in many cultures, people host Friday the 13th parties to celebrate the day. In Brazil however, Friday the 13th in August is considered very ‘harmful or dangerous’ since August rhymes with ‘desgosto’ or sorrow.
Thus, across the world, there are many beliefs and associations with the number 13 and Friday, and not all of them are good or positive.
Causes of Triskaidekaphobia
Whatever is the source or trigger of fear of the number 13, it is now known that logical and systematic thought has limits. The phobic often knows his fear is irrational and unwarranted, yet he is powerless to control it.
As stated above, the fear of the number 13 is deeply rooted in humans due to traditions as well as its Biblical association. Judas, who betrayed Jesus ultimately and led to His subsequent death, was believed to have been the 13th Apostle present at the Last Supper.
In modern culture, the fear of the number 13 might be instigated further by airlines and hotels since many refuse to use this number while numbering their aisles, floors, rooms etc.
A negative or traumatic event occurring in someone’s life on the 13th day of the month might also trigger Triskaidekaphobia.
The phobia might also be associated with other phobias like Thanatophobia, Agoraphobia etc. People already suffering from anxiety or panic disorders are more likely to experience Triskaidekaphobia.
Symptoms of fear of the number 13 phobia
Symptoms of this phobia may be emotional, mental or physical. There is a constant movie or negative stills playing in the phobic’s mind.
The Triskaidekaphobe will try to avoid anything that has to do with this number.
S/he experiences deep anxiety or dread at the thought or sight of number 13
Often, one is unable to function normally due to the fear.
S/he might experience one or more of the following: rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, chest pains, fainting spells, shaking, trembling, urge to cry or scream or hide etc.
The phobic is scared of having a panic attack that may cause him/her to lose control and embarrass oneself.
Treatment for Triskaidekaphobia
To overcome any phobia, it is important to find out how the mind creates the fear of a certain object or situation.
Hypnosis is a great way of finding the root of the fear. Once the phobic understands the roots, s/he is in a better position to overcome it.
Writing down one’s fearful thoughts and changing them to positive or happy thoughts is another way of overcoming anxiety associated with the number 13.
Meditation, deep breathing, yoga and other powerful mind-body techniques can also help relieve anxiety.
Drugs and medicines may be used but these are not long term solutions and they also have harmful side effects and withdrawal symptoms.
Creating new neural pathways in the brain is an important technique to overcome phobia or fear of the number 13. This is done through a therapy called NLP which stands for neuro linguistic programming. It can help recode the mind with new feelings and situations so that the brain does not evoke the same response each time it encounters the number 13.
Thus, a number of methods can be used for overcoming Triskaidekaphobia but it is best to seek expert help to learn techniques that can help one ‘rewire’ the mind and overcome the fear of number 13 once and for all.
Fear of Friday The 13th Phobia – Paraskevidekatriaphobia or Friggatriskaidekaphobia
We've covered Triskaidekaphobia which is the fear of number 13. Now we will talk about Paraskevidekatriaphobia, which is an extension of Triskaidekaphobia. It originates from Paraskevi, (Greek for Friday). Other names for this phobia include Friggatriskaidekaphobia which originates from Norse mythology where Frigg is the Norse Goddess for Friday.
Many people fear number 13. In Numerology, 13 is considered an evil or insignificant number that follows 12 (which is considered as “more complete”). (There are 12 months in a year, 12 signs of the Zodiac, and so on). Hence, as 13 exceeds 12 by 1, it is considered a sign of ‘bad luck’. Many hotels refuse to have a 13th room or 13th floor. Ships are not launched on Friday the 13th since The HMS Friday (a famous 18th century ship) was never heard from again after having been launched on Friday the 13th.
Shockingly, nearly 8% of people in the United Sates are Paraskevidekatriaphobes.
People with this phobia often refuse to leave their homes on this day. (They even avoid important tasks like going to the doctor’s, or to work etc). They display signs of extreme anxiety or nervousness as the date approaches. Often they believe that something terrible or evil is going to happen. While many understand that their fear is unwarranted and irrational, they feel powerless to overcome the panic experienced.
Causes of fear of Friday the 13th phobia
The main reason behind the fear of Friday the 13th is due to the negative associations with Friday and the number 13 in many religions and cultures.
Friday the 13th is associated with the crucifixion of Lord Jesus. Hence, many devout Christians believe that this date is unlucky. The Great Flood also occurred on a Friday. The Bible also mentions that the Last Supper had 13 members (where the 13th member was the same one who ultimately betrayed Jesus).
In Israel, the number 12 is considered lucky owing to 12 tribes of Israel. Conversely, 13 is considered very ‘unlucky’.
In Roman culture, witches are believed to have gathered in groups of 12 where the 13th witch is the ‘Devil’ itself.
Superstition and fear associated with Friday the 13th specifically grew during the middle ages. This was the time when the Knights Templars were tortured by King Philip IV of France. (The day of torture happened to be Friday the 13th).
In British culture; Friday and 13 are associated with capital punishment. Friday was “the day of the hangman or the noose” as many public hangings took place on this day. (Also there were exactly 13 steps to the gallows.)
Many movies, especially in the horror genre, have depicted the day as the ‘day of evil’.
Friday, as well as the number 13, thus have many ancient, deep rooted ‘evil’ associations. Since two supposedly unlucky entities are coming together on this day, people who are prone to anxiety disorders develop deep dread or phobia about it. Additionally, a negative or traumatic event occurring on Friday the 13th, directly or indirectly, might also reinforce the sufferer’s beliefs.
Symptoms of Paraskevidekatriaphobia
Symptoms of phobia of Friday the 13th can vary from person to person. Some tend to get hysterical or nervous; still others might have a full blown anxiety or panic attack.
Hyperventilation
Rapid heart rate (that may increase fear of having a heart attack or dying)
Nervous giggling
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Refusing to leave the home on this day. Finding excuses, crying, screaming, trying to flee etc.
Indulging in ritualistic behavior- for example, hanging shoes outside the window to repel evil, or eating garlic, or walking around the room 13 times etc may be seen .
Thoughts of death or dying might continually play through the phobic’s mind
Overcoming the fear of Friday the 13th
If you are suffering from Paraskevidekatriaphobia, it is important that you read your facts about this date. Note that bad things can happen every day and not just on Friday the 13th. In fact: your nervousness and anxiety can actually cause you to make more mistakes on this day than other people who do not fear it. Hence, it is essential to educate yourself rather than simply relying on rituals or succumbing to your fear.
In case your Paraskevidekatriaphobia is severely debilitating or affecting your career or personal growth, do not hesitate in seeking professional help. There is a center set up in Las Vegas, Nevada that actually helps Paraskevidekatriaphobes overcome their fear.
Talking to a professional or even friends and family can also help you overcome your phobia. Other therapies such as NLP or Neuro Linguistic Programming, Hypnotherapy etc have also been known to be effective in curing Paraskevidekatriaphobia for good.
Image: It's Friday the 13th knock on wood - clipartkid.com
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