Friday the 13th Superstitions: Triskaidekaphobia, Fear Of 13, Fuels List Of Related Fears

UPDATE: See a slideshow of 13 superstitions involving the No. 13.

Today is Friday the 13th and there are superstitions all around on what this day really means.

Superstitions pertaining to this day begin with Triskaidekaphobia, a fear of the number 13, which is sometimes debated among experts whether or not it is a legitimate phobia.

While it does not fit into the standard definition of a phobia -- an object, event or situation -- this fear can have an impact on people's lives for those who take it seriously. For some, it becomes an obsession.

Here are some other superstitions often associated with Friday the 13th, which has more to do with the No. 13 than anything but is also rooted in an ancient belief that Friday is unlucky according to Corsinet:

-More than 80 percent of high-rises lack a 13th floor.

-Many airports skip the 13th gate.

-Airplanes have no 13th aisle.

-Hospitals and hotels regularly have no room number 13.

-Italians omit the number 13 from their national lottery.

-On streets in Florence, Italy, the house between number 12 and 14 is addressed as 12 and a half.

-Many cities do not have a 13th Street or a 13th Avenue

-In France, socialites known as the quatorziens (fourteeners) once made themselves available as 14th guests to keep a dinner party from an unlucky fate.

-Many say the No. 13 pointed to the ill-fated mission to the moon, Apollo 13.

-If you have 13 letters in your name, you will have the devil's luck (ie. Jack the Ripper)