Friday 13: to fear or not?
CROSS your fingers, watch your step and look out for black cats - it's Black Friday, our second Black Friday of the year and not our last (there's another one on July 13).
The stars have aligned to bring us three Friday the 13ths in 2012, and for many today will be a chance to dress up and have some fun, throw a Black Friday sale or even buy a lotto ticket.
But some may be so afraid they decide to stay in bed.
According to folklorists, there is no written evidence for a Friday the 13th superstition before the 19th century.
There are several theories about its origin.
One theory states that it is a modern amalgamation of two older superstitions: that 13 is an unlucky number and that Friday is an unlucky day.
Friday has been considered an unlucky day at least since the 14th century, and many other professions have regarded Friday as an unlucky day to undertake journeys or start new projects.
Black Friday has been associated with stock market crashes and other disasters since the 1800s.
Aussie statistics are hard to find but an estimated 17-21 million people in the US are affected by a fear of this day, making it the most feared day and date in history.
Some people are so afraid they avoid their normal routines in doing business, taking flights or even getting out of bed.
