Long considered an “unlucky” day, the origins of this superstition are mixed. Some believe it was because of Judas as the 13th person at the Last Supper; however, in Norse mythology the god Loki showed up at a banquet as an uninvited guest and plunged the world into darkness. But, as we know, old superstitions die hard.
People certainly have their share of old superstitions, well beyond Friday the 13th. Our English word “superstition” comes from the Latin superstitio, standing over, something that defies normal logic. The concept desidiamonia (Greek 4th century BCE) meant being scrupulous in religious matters from fear, but then became something negative.
Some superstitions have an historical basis; most do not. A 1912 article in The Atlantic explored election superstitions and “fallacies,” noting that in spite of all the old myths about what it takes to win a Presidential election, none are true. Written by historian Edward Stanwood, it was a subtle call to reflect on the future should voters not consider the importance of American democracy, something we need to consider today.
Prayer for the Day
Afraid of the tasks to which we have been called,
We are content to ignore the reaslities around us;
Leaving the poor in their poverty and the afflicted in their pain,
We often leave your demands for others to fill.
Forgive us, O God, and erase the habits of our uncaring,
And transform our words into action as you call us to do.
In the name of the Transformer of our lives,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Superstition is the need to view the world in terms of simple cause and effect.
Bernard Beckett, New Zealand writer
Trying to understand a superstition rationally is like trying to pick up a piece of wood with a magnet.
Philip Pullman, British author
Have nothing to do with profane myths and superstitions. Train yourself in godliness, for while physical training is of soe value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
1 Timothy 4: 7-10