Now, I don't have a problem with this, being born on the 13th of July (no gifts, please...) I am accustomed to the Friday the 13th birthdays. Nothing seriously has gone bad yet...right? (Ps. If I were afraid of Friday the 13th, I would have friggatriskaidekaphobia.)
But a lot of cultures are scared to death by 13 and its magical powers. For example, I even got used to the lack of floor 13 in South Korea where they take the superstition to new heights. And wikipedia says that lots of cultures cut out the 13th floor and avoid groupings of 13 like the plague. Some Asian businessmen won't even conduct a meeting or business lunch if there are thirteen people in attendance.
All except the Swiss.... I realized the other day, that contrary to most countries, the Swiss seem to have an affinity for the number 13.- Our lease for example is for 13 months...
- My salary and that of most people in Switzerland, is based on 13 monthly payments... well, 12 monthly payments and an extra 13th payment generally in December...
- There are 13 curative herbs in the traditionally Swiss throat lozenge, Ricola.
- and last but not least, Roger Federer has won 13 grand slam titles (so far!)
I am sure there are more... do you have an example of how the Swiss don't fear the number 13?
6 comments:
Hmm. Have no good examples to share, but I just wanted to say that I *heart* 13.
Was born on a Friday the 13th, 30 years ago :)
I did not know the name of the phobia nor its existence, until this post.
I think people are just "paranoid" with number 13. Nothing wrong with the number.
Yeah for 13! I was born on Friday, the 13th. I consider it lucky and am glad the Swiss like it too.
Wow lots of people are born on the 13th! Imagine that... :)
there is no track 13 at basel hbf...http://www.englishforum.ch/other-general/32658-no-track-13-basel.html so they are a bit superstitious...
I think in France it can be either good or bad. Lots of people play the lottery on the 13th...
But generally speaking, it's usually seen as a bad day.
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