Trezidavomartiofobia ' MEJOR CONOCIDO COMO .(miedo del martes 13 º )

DID YOU KNOW? que Although Friday is more traditionally regarded as a day to beware, the Spanish regard Tuesday with far greater wariness.

The exact origins of fear towards either day remain unclear but several theories have been put forward.

Firstly, Tuesdays were seen as being dominated by the influence of Mars, the god of war, as etymologically ‘martes‘ stems from his name.

The superstition is also strengthened by historical events such as the fall of Constantinople to the Fourth Crusade on Tuesday April 13 1204 and its fall to the Ottomans on Tuesday May 29 1453.

There is even a saying that goes ‘en Martes ni te cases ni te embarques ni de tu casa te apartes’, meaning ‘don’t marry, go on a boat, or leave your house on Tuesday’.

Just as reoccurring patterns have this day of the week unpopular, the same has happened with the number 13.

The Western world commonly regards the number 13 as an unlucky one, to the point where hotels often omit it from room doors and floor numbers while some airlines do the same with aisle numbers.

There were 13 guests invited to dinner in Valhalla and Loki, seen as the Viking god mischief and chaos or as the god of evil and spirit of death (depending on which scholar you ask), was its 13th guest.

The Catholic crusaders were apprehended - under pressure from Pope Clement V - over allegations made by an excommunicated former member that new recruits to the order were being forced to spit on the cross, deny Christ and engage in homosexual acts during initiation ceremonies.

The claims - seemingly entirely without foundation - were a convenient pretext for Philip to persecute the wealthy order and waive debts he owed them following war with England.

Charged with moral and financial corruption and worshipping false idols - often following confessions obtained under torture - many of the knights were later burnt at the stake in Paris.

It is also said that on Friday, October 13, 1972, Flight 517 of the Uruguayan Air Force crashed in the Andes. A board had 40 passengers and 5 crew, among whom were members of the Old Christians rugby team. 72 days later 16 people were rescued alive, this is popularly known as "The Miracle of the Andes"

This parallels of course with Jesus Christ’s last supper in which Judas was the 13th guest and was responsible for betraying Christ, enabling his crucifixion.

For some it goes beyond superstition and becomes a real phobia called ‘Trezidavomartiofobia’ (fear of Tuesday the 13th), which leads to an uncontrollable fear that causes the sufferer to attempt to spend the day at home and avoid contact with others.

So for the love of all that is good and holy, take care on this cursed day and make sure not to go on any boats.

There are many events that validate both Friday and Tuesday of the 13th day as days of bad luck.

Then Tuesday 13 or friday 13?