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Happy Friday! - Does the thought of Friday the 13th make you want to stay in bed altogether? Apparently, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 20 million Americans suffer from paraskevidekatriaphobia, or the fear of Friday the 13th, the day believed to be the unluckiest day of the year in Western culture. Keep reading for a look at 11 popular superstitions linked to Friday the 13th and bad luck. By Britt Middleton (Photo: GettyImages)  

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Birthday Blues - Myth: If you were born on Friday the 13th, you’ll have bad luck for the rest of your life. This one is definitely hard to believe. For example, multi-millionaire moguls Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (born June 13, 1986) are among the celebrities whose birthdays fall on Friday the 13th, and they seem to have made out pretty good! (Photo: GettyImages)  

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Kitty Cat - Myth: If a black cat crosses your path on Friday the 13th, you will be unlucky for life. There’s no scientific reason to shy away from furry friends just because it’s Friday the 13th. The superstition is rooted in the old belief that witches often took the form of common house cats. (Photo: GettyImages) 

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Mirror, Mirror - Myth: If you break a mirror, you’ll be doomed with seven years bad luck. This one is believed to stick whether it’s Friday the 13th or not, but again, there’s no scientific proof to back it up. Sweep up the mess and keep it moving! (Photo: GettyImages) 

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Haunted Floor - Myth: It is unlucky to have a 13th floor in a tall building. Even today, it is true that many hotels, hospitals and other buildings omit a 13th floor from their floor plans, but it appears more as a preference than a general rule. (Photo: GettyImages)

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Ladder Trouble - Myth: If you walk under a ladder, you’ll be cursed with bad luck. This superstition is said to come from the Christian belief in the Holy Trinity. Because a ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle, it was believed that “breaking” the triangle was blasphemous. Practically, walking under a ladder poses safety concerns, so it’s best to avoid it. (Photo: GettyImages) 

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Rough Seas Ahead - Myth: A ship will be cursed with bad luck if it sets sail on Friday the 13th. It’s also believed by some that a captain won’t take a ship out to sea with 12 crew members to avoid having a total of 13 on board (including the captain). We’re putting money on this just being an old sea tale. (Photo: Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

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Travel Trouble - Myth: If you start a vacation on Friday the 13th, you will be cursed with bad luck. Unless bad weather or unforeseen circumstances come your way, it’s probably safe to say you’ll enjoy your time off with friends and family. (Photo: GettyImages)

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Howl Fest - Myth: A dog’s howl on Friday the 13th signals that someone close to you will die.Fido throwing a fit? Give him a bone or a nice tummy rub and put your fears to rest.(Photo: Graeme Robertson/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Graeme Robertson/Getty Images

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Storm Chaser - Myth: Washing your car on Friday the 13th will bring rain.We’ll admit that a rainy afternoon puts a damper on weekend plans, but there’s no evidence to back up that your trip to the car wash caused it.(Photo: Barry Williams/Getty Images)

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Hair Scare - Myth: If you cut your hair on Friday the 13th, a family member will die. This one is particularly hair-raising for obvious reasons, but we don’t buy into it. (Photo: Commercial Appeal /Landov)

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Crack Attack - Myth: Step on a crack and you’ll break your mother’s back. Yes, it sounds silly, but don’t be fooled into believing you can endanger your dear mom this way. Instead, give her a big hug and invite her over to watch scary movies together this Friday the 13th. (Photo: GettyImages)