Happy Friday the 13th , again.  Two months in a row! How lucky or unlucky is that?!  We all know the superstitions--watch out for black cats, broken mirrors and don't walk under any ladders and the like, but do you know the roots of these superstitions? Black cats have been feared since the Middle Ages because back then people thought the devil and his demons took feline form to stalk the earth. But while it's considered to be bad luck if a black kitty crosses your path, it's considered good luck to own one.

Blame the ancient Greeks for the notion that a broken mirror will bring you seven years bad luck. They thought things happened in multiples of seven -- the Seven Wonders of the World, for example.

Walking under ladders has been a no-no ever since early Christian mystics decided to make the triangle the symbol of the Trinity. Anyone who blundered through a triangle -- the shape made by a ladder leaning against a wall -- was deemed to be tempting fate.

Still the number 13 is associated with some American milestones.  So for the sake of balance:

America was discovered on the eve of the 13th of the month.

The republic originally consisted of 13 colonies.

The first official American flag had 13 stripes and 13 stars.

The 13th Amendment to the Constitution put an end to slavery.

So, either way..hope you have a great Friday the 13th!

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