Food on the 13th Friday

There are many superstitions about Friday the 13th, here are five of the most popular food related superstitions.

1. Bananas On a Boat: Bringing a banana on a boat has long been thought to be unlucky. The superstition started with fishermen who believed that the presence of a banana would bring bad luck for that day's catch. Others take the myth more seriously, thinking that a banana on a boat will bring death.

2. Salt: Spilling salt is possibly the most popularized food superstition. Luckily, this one has an easy remedy. While spilling salt is thought to be unlucky, throwing a pinch over your left shoulder is said to counteract the bad luck. It's thought that the toss over the left shoulder is based on historical mythology that the Devil sits on your left shoulder and an angel sits on your right. Thus, tossing salt over the left wards off evil

3. 13 People at a Dinner Party: Having 13 guests at a dinner party is also thought to be unlucky. The superstition has been a part of French culture throughout history. According to the Huffington Post, there are French socialites called quatorziens (fourteeners), who are available to fill in as a 14th dinner guest to rescue the other 13 attendees from bad luck. Franklin Delano Roosevelt also believed in this superstition, and refused to have 13 guests at dinner parties.

4. Cutting Noodles: While noodles are thought to bring good fortune and a long life in Chinese culture, cutting those same noodles brings about a different fortune. Apparently, cutting noodles (especially those served on the New Year and at birthday parties) causes bad luck and a shortened lifespan.

5. Hot Peppers and Friendship: While there are several versions of this myth, many believe that pepper (the spice) or hot peppers can bring discontent among friends. One version of the superstition says that spilling pepper can cause disagreements between friends. It would seem that, when working in the kitchen, handing a hot chili pepper directly to a friend will cause disagreements in your relationship. However, the bad luck can be avoided by putting the hot pepper down on a surface and allowing said friend to pick it up as a separate action.

Just so you know, we are shcheduled to have 3 Friday the 13th's this year. One in January, one today in April, and one more in July. Just make sure to keep the salt at arms reach.