Freaky Friday: 13 Facts You Never Knew About Friday The 13th

Today is Friday the 13th.

For many, it's one of best horror movie franchises out there, starring the man in the hockey mask, better known as Jason.

For others, it's a superstitious day of bad luck.

But did you know Friday the 13th has actually impacted everything we do on a regular basis?

Some airlines see a steep decrease in flight prices on Friday the 13th, and passengers who don't mind benefit due to the cheap flights.

Here are 13 facts about this special day:

1. Did you know there's a word to describe someone who's afraid of the number 13? That fear is called triskaidekaphobia. To add to this, there are some unfortunate people who have a fear of Friday, better known as skeviphobia. As a result, when you mix the two fears, the fear of Friday the 13th is paraskevidekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia. (Try saying that five times fast.)
2. In the US alone, there are over 20 million people who suffer from paraskevidekatriaphobia
3. Did you know the fear of 13 is so real, some buildings have designed towers without the floor? In some countries, having 13 seats at a table is considered bad luck.
4. Film director and producer Alfred Hitchcock, also known as "The Master Of Suspense," was born on Friday the 13th. This is fitting, considering his works like "Birds," "The Man Who Knew Too Much" and more fittingly, "Number 13," which unfortunately never saw the light of day.
5. Speaking of films, Friday the 13th has inspired a Hollywood franchise that has released 12 "Friday The 13th" movies. Four of them were actually released on the lucky day.
6. Alfred Hitchcock isn't the only one to have a birthday on Friday the 13th.  Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Julia Louis Dreyfus and Max Weinberg (to name a few) also share this birthday.
7. Did you know some politicians have superstitions about the 13th? Former president, Franklin D Roosevelt, refused to travel on the 13th. He also refused to host any dinner with 13 people.
8. On Friday, April 13, 2029, an asteroid will fly by Earth. The chance of collision is minimal.
9. The origin story of Friday the 13th can vary, from biblical references to Norse mythology. In Christian mythology, Jesus' crucifixion took place on a Friday, and the Last Supper had 13 guests. In Norse mythology, Loki is the god of mischief. He was the 13th guest in Valhalla, and is said to have arranged the shooting of the god of joy and gladness.
10. A few superstitions (some bizarre) have been associated with this day. One says, if you cut your hair on this day, someone in your family will die. Another says any child born on Friday the 13th will be unlucky for life.
11. In Italy, 13 is considered lucky. Pop star Taylor Swift is a big fan of the number 13.
12. This year gives us the highest number of Friday the 13ths to happen in a calendar year. This year, we had February, March and now, November. The next time we have three Friday the 13ths in a calendar year will be in 11 years.

Though this day can be unlucky for some and lucky for others, at the end of the day, it's just a Friday.

It leads us to the best day of the week: Saturday.

In addition, know there has been no research to suggest Friday the 13th is an unlucky day, let alone one to be feared.