Paraskavedekatriaphobia is pronounced para-skavi-deka-tria-foby-ah the basic stress pattern makes it sound like PAraSKAveDEkaTRIaPHObia. The word paraskavedkatriaphoiba is a combination of the greek word paraskevi meaning Friday and dekatreis meaning thirteen attached to phobia meaning fear.
Paraskavedekatriaphobia is the fear of Friday the 13th. There are many legends of how paraskavedekatriaphobia started. One such legend is with The Last Supper. It is said that Judas was the 13th guest and that Jesus was crucified on a Friday. Another such legend says that on Friday the 13th 1307 King Phillip IV had many of his agents arrest the Knights Templar in France. The first ever documented mention of Friday the 13th was in the early 1900s. Friday was considered an unlucky day and the number 13 was considered unlucky number prior to the 20th century. However there is no link between Friday and the 13 to make an actual Friday the 13th unlucky.
According to Dr. Donald Dossey, the coiner of the term paraskavedekatriaphobia, “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.”
The Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, believes an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day making it the most feared day and date in history.
“The risk of hospital admission as a result of a transport accident may be increased by as much as 52 percent. Staying at home is recommended.”
In June 2008, The Dutch Centre for Insurance Statistics (CVS), stated that “fewer accidents and reports of fire and theft occur when the 13th of the month falls on a Friday than on other Fridays, because people are preventative more careful or just stay home.”
Someone who suffers from paraskavedekatriaphobia may show a feeling of panic, terror, dread, and irrational fears about Friday the 13th. They may even have physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dry mouth, nausea, with trembles, and anxiety.
There are various treatments for paraskavedekatriaphobia including superstitious treatments. It is believed by those with paraskavedekatriaphobia that you can carry the Friday the 13th talisman on that day and you will be protected and happy, and all will be well. A talisman is a small amulet or other object, often with symbols that are believed to magic. Other treatments include various therapies like exposure therapy, psychotherapy, and behavior therapy. Anti-anxiety medications can also help those suffering from paraskavedekatriaphobia.
