ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, December 11, 1996 TAG: 9612110073
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BEVERLY LEVITT
The origin of the superstitions surrounding the number 13 lies deep within Norse mythology. And as superstition has it, Friday is unlucky in its own right.
Friday is named for Frigga, the free-spirited goddess of clouds and sky, married love, fertility and housewives. When Norse and Germanic tribes converted to Christianity, Frigga was banished in shame to a mountain top and labeled a witch. To get even, every Friday the angry goddess convened a meeting with 11 other witches, plus the devil - a gathering of 13 - and plotted ill turns of fate for the coming week.
Some people believe Friday the 13th is the day Eve tempted Adam with the apple; the day Noah's ark set sail in the great flood; the day the Temple of Solomon toppled; the day Christ was crucified.
For centuries, Friday was called "Witches Sabbath." Later it became known as "Hangman's Day" because criminals were executed on Fridays.
Foods associated with luck - and protection - have their origins in days of old as well.
In the Middle Ages, garlic was believed to repel vampires and werewolves and to ward off the effects of the witch's evil eye. Greeks believed that fennel gave strength, courage and long life to a man.
In Spain, eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight portends good luck for the next 12 months. In Peru, a 13th is eaten - supposedly to bring even more good luck.
LENGTH: Short : 36 linesby CNB