Business can be risky, so it’s natural that superstitions can sometimes creep in when money and careers are at stake.

This workweek ends on Friday the 13th, so in the Western world, the stage is set for fear to influence commerce.

Let’s take a look at the so-called bad luck day’s origins and how it impacts the business world.

What is a fear of Friday the 13th called?

A fear of Friday the 13th is called “paraskevidekatriaphobia,” a term created by psychotherapist Donald Dossey . It combines the Greek words for Friday, 13, and fear.

How many Friday the 13ths are there in a year?

Around every 212.35 days, a Friday the 13th occurs. This figure is based on a complete 400-year Gregorian calendar cycle.

Another way to look at it: there is at least one Friday the 13th a year, but there can be up to three.…