Today is a day of distinction for two reasons. Today is Friday the 13th, a dubious distinction, but this Friday the 13th is special! This is the only Friday the 13th in 2008. Opinions are divided on Friday the 13th, but the history of both Friday and thirteen appear to be unlucky.

Friday, according to the encyclopedia Man Myth and Magic, has been unlucky right from the beginning. It is supposed to be the day on which Adam and Eve ate the apple. Friday is not a good day to embark upon anything new whether it be a trip, a job, or a hairstyle. In the Dictionary of Mythology, Folklore and Symbols, Friday was the day when criminals were executed in Europe and was often called "hangman's day".

The reputation held by the number 13 is no better. Again, according to Man, Myth and Magic, hotels do not have a 13th floor and streets often do not have a house number 13. Thirteen people should never sit down to dinner together, and if you find yourself in a room with twelve other people, be very sure not to be the person nearest the door! A Friday and a 13 together on the same day - watch out!

That's one side of the story. According to The Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend, the Irish consider Friday a good day to die (as long as you are buried on Saturday and prayed for on Sunday). Both Man, Myth and Magic and The Dictionary of Mythology Folklore and Symbols tell that the early Romans considered Friday a day dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love and therefore, a lucky day.

Personally, my superstitions are hard to pin down. I will walk under a ladder, especially on Friday the 13th. One has never fallen on me yet. (knock on wood). I will go out of my way to avoid a black cat, but I'd do it to avoid any cat. No offense cat lovers. I never pick up a penny on the ground - face up or down. Too much work for one cent! But, let my husband go away on a business trip, and I know something terrible is going to go wrong while he is gone. Something always does. Mostly I think that's my bad karma.

If you'd like to improve your luck or understand your karma, the library has some books for you:

The luck factor : changing your luck, changing your life
As luck would have it : incredible stories from lottery wins to lightning strikes
Luck : understanding luck and improving the odds
The power of karma : how to understand your past and shape your future
The complete book of superstition, prophecy and luck
Knock on wood and other superstitions