Fear of Number 13

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Divergent opinions exist regarding the meaning of the 13th numeral. This is seen as an unlucky number in Western culture. This is because this number is connected to the fact that, of the 13 people who attended the Last Supper, one of them passed away within a year. Because of the profound psychological effects of this incident, it is stated that, while tactfully, 13th seats are avoided in several Western institutions.

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There is an additional explanation for the terror associated with the number 13. This number's esoteric meaning was symbolized by the eerie image of "A skeleton reaping down men with a scythe in its bony hands." Since no one could truly comprehend its meaning, it was seen as an unlucky number.

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If, on the other hand, 13 happens to come up by accident—that is, if many people are invited to dinner and only 13 show up—then it can symbolize bad luck.