Attitudes Toward 13 Through History

13 (THIRTEEN)
The number 13 is an unlucky number to a lot of people, especially the westerners. Some people even have the fear of 13, called "Triskaidekaphobia". There are people refuse to travel on the thirteenth of the month. It is viewed with even greater apprehensive, if the thirteenth day of a month happens to fall on a Friday (Friday the 13^th). It is also traditionally thought to be unlucky for a ship to begin a voyage on that day. The 13^thof any month is widely regarded as inauspicious day on which to undertake any new enterprise.
Many people will not live in a house or apartment building, which has a number 13 or a 13^th floor. In fact, many tall buildings and some hotels in the West avoid the number13 for rooms or even skip the thirteenth floor.
The ancient Romans also regarded number 13 as unlucky. They thought it as a sign of death and destruction. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that in witch covens, there were always 13 members.
Some people think that the idea of having 13 people at a table to dine brings bad luck. This idea is related with the last Supper of Jesus Christ. It is said that Christ dined with his 12 followers, which meant that 13 people sat at the table. After supper 1 of the 12 men betrayed Christ to his enemies. Christ was arrested and he was crucified the next day, a Friday. Another idea of origin that sitting down 13 at a table is unlucky came from an ancient Norwegian myth. It is said that the Norse gods were having a great feast one day and there were exactly 12 gods and goddesses invited to dine. But a god named Loki invited himself to the party. During the feast, Loki caused some mischief which accidentally resulted in the death of Baldur, one of the guests. Loki, the Norse god of evil, was the uninvited 13^th guest!
ConclusionIt is interesting to know that our number system has very few number symbols, namely, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 together with 0. Hence, the system offers an economical use of the symbols and the ease of computation.
Although different civilization had its own signs for number, the people had their own interpretation of the numbers. Then again, people from different countries, cultural backgrounds, religions and races also came up with their own ideas, beliefs and myths about the number symbols. Their attitudes towards certain numbers are said to have passed from one generation to the next. In other words, the important uses of numbers would not change through the evolution of time.
 On the other hand, numbers with 2 or 3 digits, such as 12, 16, 21,120, 216 were also treated as sacred and significant to certain civilization. Apparently, this is all depend on the individual whether he or she believes the numbers could really provide good fortune or curses in his or her daily life.
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