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13/06/2008
Stay Indoors - It's Friday The 13th
According to Dutch statistics, Friday 13th, a date ominous to many, is actually safer than the average Friday.
The study published by the Dutch Centre for Insurance Statistics (CVS) revealed that fewer accidents and reports of fire and crime occur on Friday 13th than on normal Fridays.
CVS statistician Alex Hoen commented: "I find it hard to believe that it is because people are preventatively more careful or just stay home, but statistically speaking, driving is a little bit safer on Friday 13th."
The origin of the Friday the 13th seems to derive from Biblical stories such as the Last Supper and the day on which it is believed Jesus was crucified.
One superstition is that having 13 people to dine at a dinner party will result in the death of one of the diners.
Interestingly, Jack the Ripper and Charles Manson, both has 13 letters in their names.
In contrast to the Dutch study, the British Medical Journal states the risk of a car accident in the UK increased by more than half on Friday the 13th.
On a more tragic note, the Uruguayan rugby team's plane crashed into the Andes mountain range on Friday, 13, 1972.
However, it is most likely in people's heads that the day is unlucky.
Researchers say that the belief itself can actually lead to "bad luck".
Psychologist Dr Richard Wiseman who has carried out research on luck says that "unlucky people tend to buy into negative superstitions".
The survey found that 86% of Britons have carried out superstitious behaviours such as touching wood or not walking under a ladder.
The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia.
(DS)
The study published by the Dutch Centre for Insurance Statistics (CVS) revealed that fewer accidents and reports of fire and crime occur on Friday 13th than on normal Fridays.
CVS statistician Alex Hoen commented: "I find it hard to believe that it is because people are preventatively more careful or just stay home, but statistically speaking, driving is a little bit safer on Friday 13th."
The origin of the Friday the 13th seems to derive from Biblical stories such as the Last Supper and the day on which it is believed Jesus was crucified.
One superstition is that having 13 people to dine at a dinner party will result in the death of one of the diners.
Interestingly, Jack the Ripper and Charles Manson, both has 13 letters in their names.
In contrast to the Dutch study, the British Medical Journal states the risk of a car accident in the UK increased by more than half on Friday the 13th.
On a more tragic note, the Uruguayan rugby team's plane crashed into the Andes mountain range on Friday, 13, 1972.
However, it is most likely in people's heads that the day is unlucky.
Researchers say that the belief itself can actually lead to "bad luck".
Psychologist Dr Richard Wiseman who has carried out research on luck says that "unlucky people tend to buy into negative superstitions".
The survey found that 86% of Britons have carried out superstitious behaviours such as touching wood or not walking under a ladder.
The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia.
(DS)
Related UK National News Stories
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13 April 2012
Friday 13th Lucky For Some?
In order to keep lady luck on their side, Brits will be practising a whole host of bizarre superstitions on Friday 13th. Ranging from the ancient tradition of carrying a rabbit’s foot to the more modern practice ofavoiding the cracks in the pavements, the UK remains a deeply superstitious nation. Research from leading bingo operator galabingo.
Friday 13th Lucky For Some?
In order to keep lady luck on their side, Brits will be practising a whole host of bizarre superstitions on Friday 13th. Ranging from the ancient tradition of carrying a rabbit’s foot to the more modern practice ofavoiding the cracks in the pavements, the UK remains a deeply superstitious nation. Research from leading bingo operator galabingo.
04 March 2004
IRA activities hold up political progress, says Ahern
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said that time is running out for the Northern Ireland peace process and that republicans must commit to peace.
IRA activities hold up political progress, says Ahern
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said that time is running out for the Northern Ireland peace process and that republicans must commit to peace.
23 April 2003
Agreement 'frustratingly close' in NI peace deal
The Prime Minister has said that agreement is "frustratingly close" over the IRA's position on acts of completion. Tony Blair was speaking at a press conference at Downing Street today in a move designed to seek further clarification on the IRA's intentions.
Agreement 'frustratingly close' in NI peace deal
The Prime Minister has said that agreement is "frustratingly close" over the IRA's position on acts of completion. Tony Blair was speaking at a press conference at Downing Street today in a move designed to seek further clarification on the IRA's intentions.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
