By Annie Rowe

SDN Staff Writer

When some people hear the term ‘Friday the 13th’, they may think of the hockey-masked Jason Voorhees who has become a pop icon slashing his way across the horrific summer camp in the movie of the same name.

But there are many people for whom panic will strike on Thursday the 12th in anticipation of Friday the 13th. Paraskevidekatriaphobia is a big word that means to possess a fear of Friday the 13th.

The number 13 has a foreboding reputation that is said to date back to ancient times. Folklorists say it is probably the most widespread superstition in America. However, it’s estimated that at least 21 million people suffer from the actual phobia.

In ancient times, it was known as the “devil’s dozen.” If 13 people we seated at a meal together, it was believed that all 13 would die within the year. Many cities or towns will not have a 13th Street or a 13th Avenue, many buildings don’t have a 13th floor, and if one has 13 letters in their name, some believe they will have the devil’s luck.

Hopefully, residents of Snyder and Scurry County will fare well through the first Friday the 13th of 2004, however, there are many for whom the day will be full of challenges.

Most will face Friday the 13th much as they would any other day, while some will be sure to take some “special” precautions.

Brandy Birkenfeld

“I can’t say that I have an actual fear of Friday the 13th, but I will admit that I will avoid the number 13, and even numbers that add up to 13 on the 13th. It’s the number thing that I get stuck on.”

Judy Doyle

“I’d say I am superstitious, but not just on Friday the 13th. I mean things can happen that day that can happen any day, but people will say it’s because of the 13th. But I’m superstitious in other ways. For instance, if I see a penny, I must pick it up, and if it’s on the wrong side, I have to throw it away again. Plus I never walk under ladders.”

Mandy Mitchell

“I’m sort of superstitious. I stay away from cracks in the ground or in the sidewalk. I mean, I’d never want to be responsible for breaking my mother’s back. And on Friday the 13th I avoid anything that has to do with the number 13. As a matter of fact, I won’t even say the number 13.”

Charlie Bell

“Oh, I don’t think I’m too superstitious. But I always keep my fingers crossed hoping for rain.”