Superstition: it's not just a classic song by Stevie Wonder. It's also a very real belief for a lot of people. When it comes to Friday the 13th, for example, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States alone have a phobia of the date. It's actually one of the most feared dates in history. And apparently up to $900 million is lost in business on any given Friday the 13th, simply because people refuse to work, or fly, or do any sort of business they'd normally do.
A lot of concern over the idea of Friday the 13th comes from the idea that the number 13 itself is unlucky. The most visible interpretation of this: plenty of offices, hotels, and other buildings don't have a thirteenth floor. (Try finding the 13th button next time you're in an elevator!)
Triskaidekaphobia is the official term for fearing the number thirteen - but it's certainly something Ron Sexsmith doesn't suffer from. He released his thirteenth album, Forever Endeavour, in 2013, but didn't even realize the potentially spooky connection until it was pointed out to him in an interview.
Do you eschew such superstitious shenanigans, like Mr. Sexsmith? Or do you avoid ladders and black cats and 13th floors, just to be safe?