If you’re from an English, German, Polish or Portuguese-speaking culture then you’re probably familiar with the Friday the 13th superstition. It usually rolls around a couple times a year and causes all sorts of “bad luck”. But how did thus “unlucky” day get such a bad reputation, and is there any truth to it?

There are many theories regarding the origin of Friday the 13th– from Norse legend to Biblical explanations- but none of them are substantiated. Based on historical events, Greece and Spain have chiefly observed Tuesday the 13th as their day of unavoidable misfortune. Even though science has attempted to prove that “luck cannot be predicted and is largely beyond our capacity to influence or control”, it is estimated that “$800 or $900 million is lost in business on [Friday the 13th] because people will not fly or do business they would normally do.” There’s even a name for those who are phobic of this dastardly day: paraskavedekatriaphobia. Yah, try saying that 3 times fast.

The mind is a powerful thing, so instead of worrying about ill-fate on Friday the 13th, just believing that you’re lucky can result in creating your own good fortune. For instance, my birthday is on the 13th so I’ve always felt it was a special number for me. Most Friday the 13ths have been “lucky” for me, quite possibly due to positive mental association that I have. What are your Friday the 13ths like? Have you had a string of good luck or bad luck?

Plenty of boils and ghouls will be out tonight attending spooky-themed events so get out there, have fun, and make some of your own good luck. (If you’re in San Diego, come by the Creature Feature show and say hi!)