I know all y'all were wondernig this too...* Is the fear of Friday the 13th based on the fear of the number thirteen itself?

Yes, it is. Researchers have determined that the modern-day fear of 13 is based on Norse mythology. The story goes that 12 gods were dining at Valhalla when a 13th guest (named Loki) joined the party. Loki caused the death of Balder (the Norse god of light & joy). From that day on, the number 13 has been unlucky.

And when you think about it, 13 is an odd odd number. It's when numbers reach a new level. You're not a teenage until 13 (and teenage is not really a nice stage to the rest of the world). Also it's just out of the norm. There are 12 months in a year; 12 inches in a foot; 12 thingies in a dozen; AND when we learn multiplication tables, they only go up to 12 times 12. Maybe the researchers are wrong and the 13th freak out is cause people are weird and don't like different. As for me, 13 is my lucky number.

Speaking of lucky 13 - it's not just me (although I do tend to be an original). In much of Asia, the date is considered fortunate, or at the very least not unlucky. In Australia, they think the number is lucky. Lottery agents there sell 50 percent more tickets than average that day.