The Triscaidecaphobia Is the irrational and uncontrollable fear of the number 13. It can be developed by some popular belief, superstition or negative experience.
In this article you will find interesting information about the phobia to number 13, curiosities and tips to overcome it.
What is the origin of triscaidecaphobia?
Popularly it is believed that the number 13 brings bad luck. It is a superstition that of course has no scientific basis. A number in itself can not have negative effects on people's lives.
However, the myth that thirteen brings bad luck has very ancient origins, it seems. As you will see below, there are several theories about it.
One of the best known is the last supper of Jesus, who on his last night with his life dined with his 12 apostles, totaling 13 people at the table. Hours later, Jesus would be captured and executed, according to the biblical story that all Christians know.
But it is believed that the myth of number 13 could also have its origins in other cultures, before the Christian. According to the Norse mythology of the Vikings, to a great banquet that was realized in the Valhalla were invited twelve gods.
But Loki, the god of fights and evil, also slipped into the meeting, so that the number of those present at the table rose to thirteen. In the struggle to expel Loki from dinner, Balder, one of the most beloved gods, died.
This is one of the oldest references to bad luck brought by the number thirteen. It is likely that from Scandinavia this myth spread to southern Europe, later moving to Christianity.
Another important fact that could have contributed to the bad reputation of number 13 was the capture and death of the Templars, who were sacrificed at the stake on Friday, October 13, 1307.
It is said that on that day, the last great Templar named Jack of Molay, being already at the stake summoned before the court of God Pope Clement V and King Philip IV of France, who had ordered the destruction of the order of the Temple.
In less than a year, both died, just as the last great Templar had requested or predicted.
Facts about Triscaidecaphobia
According to data collected by a researcher named Donald Dossey, there existed in France a group of noble people called the"fourteen", that is, the"fourteen", who were people who attended dinners, meetings or other events as a fourteenth guest, when For some reason someone canceled their attendance and only thirteen people would attend the celebration.
Currently, there are many internationally important companies, such as hotel chains or airlines, that favor triscaidecaphobics avoiding thirteen in their rooms or in the rows of seats of their aircraft.
For example, in Iberia aircraft, seating rows go from 12 to 14 directly, and so does Alitalia, Copa Airlines and Emirates.
In many hotels there is no 13th floor, no rooms with that number, and even in some cities there are no streets or avenues with the number"damn".
For you to see more examples that indicate how ingrained this concept is, in Madrid there is no bus line number thirteen, in many portals this number is avoided and in Formula One races (as well as in many other automobile or motorcycle events ), No competitor is assigned the 13.
How to overcome Triscaidecaphobia
There are those who try to avoid the number of bad luck always and at any time, but if for some reason they can not avoid it, they tolerate the malaise.
But as with any other phobia, there are people who may have an important picture of anxiety when encountering thirteen, with sweating, tachycardia or chest pain, Such as in a panic attack .
If you are among the first group, then you probably do not need any treatment. You simply avoid the number (many hotels, buildings and transportation companies will help you) and that's it.
But if you really have a phobia, then it is best to seek professional help. Psychological therapies can be very helpful and it is also possible that medication to control anxiety is useful.
As with all phobias, dealing with your phobia slowly is a good way to start overcoming the problem. Specifically this technique can help you.
Another tool you can use is to write down what you think about this number and then try to change these irrational and negative thoughts for others, more reasonable and positive.
The techniques of deep breathing, yoga or meditation can be useful to control your anxiety when you inadvertently stumble upon the"bad luck"number.
The 13th can bring good luck too
As for countering the myth, there are many professional athletes who believe that number thirteen can bring good luck.
This is the case of basketball players Steve Nash and Wilt Chamberlain. The first has always considered 13 as a lucky number and has worn it on his jersey on all the teams he has played except in the Los Angeles Lakers, where he is 10, because the jersey 13 was withdrawn after Chamberlain left of the team.
In the German national team, the star of the team has been number 13 for several decades. This trend began with Gerd Müller in the 1970s, and continued with Michael Ballack and Thomas Müller.
As you can see, thirteen can actually be considered a lucky number, although it is probably not one thing or the other.
If you really have trouble with this number, follow the advice in this article and you will surely get over it.
And you have Triscaidecaphobia? What is supposing in your life?