Friday, July 13, 2007

Friday the 13th

People often associate certain ideas or feelings with certain days. Friday the 13th is one of them. The fear of this day is called paraskavedekatriaphobia (You have my permission to learn this word and impress at social gatherings). This word is derived from the Greek words for Friday, thirteen, and fear. Many suggestions and theories have arisen to explain the original infamy of this day.
"Friday 13th October 1066 was the last day of the reign of the Saxon King Harold II. On this day, William, Duke of Normandy offered Harold the option of ceding the crown; Harold declined the offer. The Battle of Hastings took place the following day (Saturday 14th October 1066). Harold was slain and William took control of England." (wikipedia.com)
Another theory suggests that Jesus and the 12 apostles made up thirteen individuals at the Last Supper. That evening, the beginning of Friday in Jewish time, Judas betrayed Jesus, and Jesus was crucified later that morning. As far as the notion that Friday the 13th is unlucky, most writings are found only within the last century.
Association does have a profound effect upon people. According to Donald Dossey, who works for the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institue in Asheville North Carolina, "It's been estimated that [U.S] $800 or $900 million is lost in business on this day because people will not fly or do business they would normally do."
As for me personally, I find not bad luck, but great blessings on this day. 23 years ago, on Friday, July 13th, 1984, I was baptized into Christ for the remission of my sins. My sister was born on Friday, November 13th, 1970. Today I saw an ultrasound of my soon to be born baby girl. Everything is going fine. Amber and she are healthy and God is blessing us richly.
Paul reminded the Romans, "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike..." (Rom. 14:5). He was discussing holy days, not pagan ones. But the point is the same. Whatever the day, we either observe it, or we don't observe it to the Lord (Rom. 14:6). I fail to see how anyone could observe any day to the Lord superstitiously.
With this in mind, I hope that everyone will have a great Friday the 13th!
"This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." ~ (Ps. 118:24)

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