Potpourri!

Persistent fear of certain situations, activities, things is known as Phobia. Fear associated with the number 13th is called Paraskevidekatriaphobia. (pair.uh.skee.vee.dek.uh.tree.uh.foh.bee.uh)

Today is the 13th of June-Friday. Its believed by many that 13th Friday of any month is very unlucky. Businessmen don't involve much in their work today. Analysts say that the US suffers around $900 million every year, this day. The cause of this phobia dates back to the Norse mythology. 12 Norse gods were partying and it got ruined by the uninvited 13th god-Loki. Loki had planned to murder Balder, God of joy. Hoder, God of Darkness,helped Loki in the assassination. Hoder earned Loki's trust and hence he was invited to be a part of the world. Thus came darkness and evil.

In addition, Jesus was crucified on a Friday. Jesus was betrayed by Judas,the 13th guest at the "Last Supper" ( Jesus + his 12 apostles makes 13).Numerologists believe 13 is an incomplete number. These incidents have rooted Paraskevidekatriaphobia in many people's mind. In fact there are 12 months in a year, 12 labors of Hercules,12 signs of the zodiac, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 tribes of Israel, and 12 apostles of Jesus.

In the city of Florence,Italy, the door number between 12 and 14 is written as Twelve and an half. Many airports skip the 13th gate. Many cities do not have a 13th Street or a 13th Avenue. Many buildings don't have a 13th floor. In some traditions it is believed that Satan is the 13th angel. Dealing with femininity-number of menstrual cycles is 13. The Temple of Solomon was destroyed on a Friday; Indians don't cut nails or hair on Friday. Mission-Appolo 13 failed.

Freaky isn't it ???

Above all we are taught tables till 12. The Schools have standards till 12 only.