Many people have a fear of the number 13 (triskaidekaphobia) or specifically, a fear of Friday the 13th (paraskevidekatriaphobia).

In France, the number 13 is considered lucky. (Could that be why the first team to score 13 points is the winner in pétanque, the French lawn bowling game?) Here are other porte-bonheur, or good luck charms:

French text says le langage des porte-bonheur with pictures of red heart, blue fish, tiger tooth, red shoe, number 13 in a circle, a die with 10 dots, a vase with flowers, anchor, pansy, horseshoe, pig, magnet, four-leaf clover
Postcard I bought from Poster Invasion: Le langage des porte-bonheur

The postcard shows 12 charms (13 if you count the bunch of daisies in the center) and what they represent or will attract:

  • Top: Heart – amour (love); Fish – paix (peace); Tiger tooth – joie (joy); Shoe – santé (health); Number 13 – longévité (longevity)
  • Middle: A die – gain (gambler’s luck); Anchor – espérance (hope)
  • Bottom: Pansy – souvenir (remembrance); Horseshoe – veine (luck); Pig – prospérité (prosperity); Magnet – argent (money); Four-leaf clover – bonheur (good luck)

“Maybe you’re a witch!” someone once told me when I’d mentioned that I usually have a good day on Friday the 13th. What a compliment! I remember thinking I had a superpower. And I do: the power of positive thinking!

I believe if you think you will have good luck, then you will! When I simply focus on good things, especially on Friday the 13th, not only do I attract more positive experiences, but the bad things seem pretty insignificant. No lucky charms needed.

That said, whenever I wear garnet stud earrings, my day does seem to go more smoothly. Coincidence?

Tell me in the comments: What are your thoughts about good luck charms, the number 13, or Friday the 13th?

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