One of the most enduring superstitions, especially in North America, is triskaidekaphobia — fear of the number 13. According to author Nathaniel Lachenmeyer, the term triskaidekaphobia originated around 1910, bringing with it phobias about Friday the 13th as well as the tradition of builders skipping the 13th floor when designing buildings, in an effort to avoid bad luck. Even famous horror writer Stephen King won't stop reading a book if he is at a page whose numbers add up to 13 [source: NPR].
Some restaurants even get in on the "13 is unlucky" act. Visit some eateries in England and you'll find zero tables numbered 13 [source: Baggini]. Although some chefs admit they don't really believe in this superstition, they uphold it anyway as respect to tradition.
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