Girlawhirl wondered how it could be that as many as 21 million people are so afraid of the day that they might go so far as to reschedule a flight, change plans or even stay home all day. It seems that, throughout history, the number 13, just by virtue of the fact that it follows 12, has always had a bad rap. Apparently, twelve feels complete. There are 12 months and zodiac signs, 12 apostles according to Christian tradition and 12 tribes of Israel. Just adding one more makes 13 feel wrong, and in ancient Rome it was said that witches gathered in groups of 12 and the 13^th was believed to be the devil.

And as far as Friday goes, it's just as bad. In many ancient cultures, even here in America, Friday has been considered the unluckiest day of the week. Girlawhirl, who always looks forward to Friday, was stunned to learn that less that 100 years ago, there were references to workers who were so superstitious about harvesting a crop on a Friday that they worked all through the night on Thursday to get it done. And in the Christian religion, Christ was crucified on a Friday, Cain killed Abel on Friday and even that fateful day when Eve is supposed to have tempted Adam with an apple, was a Friday.

But Girlawhirl, who walked under a ladder and saw a black cat on her way to the office this morning, has a tip for travelers going to Spain or Greece: It's not Friday the 13^th that's feared there, but Tuesday the 13^th instead.