Will you be one of the 8% of Brits spending Friday 13th with your fingers crossed, avoiding cracks in the pavement and not walking under ladders? Do you suffer from what’s known as Friggatriskaidekaphobia? Or do you not give a four-leafed clover about the date and even smirk at those dafties that do?

Picture thanks to Sergey Yeliseev @ Flickr.com

Personally I’m a bit of a superstitious so-and-so. I spit and salute lonely Magpies and point out black cats (but stop them walking between our legs). I’ve even been known to knock on wood (using my head if the real stuff isn’t to fist) and cross my fingers until they’re blue. Now I’m on a roll… I also don’t like brollies being put up inside the house (but have had to get over it as my daughter does it practically every day) and I shudder when I’m crossed on the stairs but, again, with two kids running around, I don’t stand a chance.

Research by Gala Bingo has found that 8% of Brits suffer from Friggatriskaidekaphobia, or the fear of Friday 13th as it’s more commonly known, and have compiled the top ten things that people do to avoid anything terrible happening on that day:

1. Avoid pavement cracks
2. Knock on wood
3. Keep fingers crossed
4. Not walking under ladders
5. Wear something shaped like a clover
6. Have a horseshoe in the house
7. Look out for two magpies
8. Put your left foot out of bed first
9. Carry an acorn
10. Carry a rabbit’s foot

Danny Mahon, Brand Manager for galabingo.com said: “If you fear Friday 13th then you are not alone. Why not arm yourself with a good luck charm and face the day with a positive mental attitude. There is probably nothing to fear, here at galabingo.com we have found that Friday 13th can actually be a lucky day to play bingo.”

Hope your day is a good one whether you’re fearful or fearless of the 13th!