FRIDAY THE 13TH: If you noticed a few extra people clutching rabbit’s feet or avoiding sidewalk cracks last week, you’re not imagining it — Friday the 13th still has a grip on the American imagination.

According to the History Channel, the superstition goes back centuries, with roots in Norse mythology, Christian tradition, and a general cultural suspicion of the number 13. Put them together and you get a date that still makes some folks hesitate before scheduling a flight or signing a contract.

But despite its spooky reputation, Friday the 13th has become more of a pop‑culture holiday than a day of doom. The New York Times once noted that millions of people treat it like a bonus Halloween — minus the candy, plus the chance to blame any minor inconvenience on “the curse.” Lost your keys? Friday the 13th. Stubbed your toe? Friday the 13th. Printer jammed again? Definitely Friday the 13th.

Psychologists quoted by National Geographic say the superstition sticks because humans love patterns, even imaginary ones. If something unlucky happens on that date once, our brains file it away and wait for the next coincidence. It’s a self‑fulfilling prophecy with a sense of humor.

Locally, most people seemed unfazed. A few joked about staying away from ladders, and one resident said she refuses to schedule dentist appointments on any Friday the 13th “just in case.” Another said he considers it a lucky day because “everyone else is too scared to do anything, so the lines are shorter.”

Whether you treat it as a warning or a wink, Friday the 13th keeps rolling around — and according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, we’ll get another one later this year. Consider yourself warned, or entertained.