Friday the 13th
This is a summary of the main points from the podcast and some comprehension questions – not a word-to-word transcript- we hope you find it useful.
It is a well-known fact that in some cultures Friday the 13th is considered to be the unluckiest day. It’s the day when people believe that bad things happen for no reason at all. But why do we think this way?
I’m going to make a statement about Friday the 3th, and I want you to tell me if you believe it is true or false.
1. People change their behavior on Friday the 13th.
TRUE! Now, while’s there’s no science to prove that Friday the 13th is unluckier than other days, people tend to drive my cautiously, look both ways before crossing the road, avoid walking under things, etc.
2. People generally find the ‘bad luck’ of Friday the 13th comforting.
TRUE! When people believe that Friday the 13th is a day of bad luck, they accept that bad things can happen and actually feel more in control of each situation, chalking the bad event up to external events and feeling reassured that it was ‘out of their control.’
3. Friday the 13th is a superstition that arose because of dinner parties.
TRUE! One ancient Norse myth involves a dinner party with 12 gods. When a 13th god, the trickster Loki, showed up, he shot Balder, the god of joy and happiness. And then people began to be suspicious of all things related to the number 13.
And a second story about a dinner with 13 people is The Last Supper. Jesus and 12 disciples ate together the evening before Jesus was crucified, which was on a Friday. And one disciple at the party, Judas, actually betrayed Jesus.
4. Triskaidekaphobia is a phobia of Friday the 13th.
FALSE! While it’s not the fear of Friday the 13th, it IS a phobia of the number 13. The number 12 is considered the perfect number is some cultures: 12 months in a year, 12 days of Christmas, 12 Zoliac signs. In fact, in America very often there is not a 13th folor in a building or a hotel room with the number 13. Take a look the next time you visit the USA and see if there is a floor 13 when you get in your next elevator.
Can I tell you a Friday the 13th joke?
What desserts do black cats have on Friday the 13th? MICE-cream!
Questions:
1. What is the general belief about Friday the 13th in some cultures?
A. It is considered to be the luckiest day.
B. It is considered to be the most important day of the year.
C. It is considered to be the unluckiest day.
D. It is considered to be a day of celebration.
2. Is there any scientific evidence to prove that Friday the 13th is unluckier than other days?
A. Yes, there is.
B. No, there isn't.
C. It is not mentioned in the text.
D. It is unclear.
3. Why do people change their behavior on Friday the 13th?
A. Because they believe it is the luckiest day.
B. Because they believe it is a day of celebration.
C. Because they believe it is the unluckiest day.
D. Because they believe it is a day of rest.
4. What is the origin of the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th?
A. A dinner party with 12 gods.
B. A dinner party with 13 people.
C. A dinner party with 13 gods.
D. A dinner party with 12 people.
5. What is triskaidekaphobia?
A. Fear of Friday the 13th.
B. Fear of the number 12.
C. Fear of the number 13.
D. Fear of dinner parties.
6. What is the significance of the number 12 in some cultures?
A. It is considered the perfect number.
B. It is considered the unlucky number.
C. It is considered the number of death.
D. It is considered the number of joy.
7. What is the purpose of the text?
A. To explain the origins of Friday the 13th superstitions.
B. To provide scientific evidence for Friday the 13th superstitions.
C. To tell a joke about Friday the 13th.
D. To discuss the cultural significance of Friday the 13th.
Correct answers:
1. C
2. B
3. C
4. B
5. C
6. A
7. A