Friday the 13th, while one of the most feared days on the calendar, is nothing more than the product of verbal myths.Recent culture has highlighted Friday the 13th in films and books including the “Friday the 13th” film series and the popular novel, “The Da Vinci Code.” The novel mentions one of the day’s believed origins-that the Knights Templar were arrested by the order of King Philip of France on Friday, Oct. 13, 1307.

Another theory of Friday the 13th’s bad fortune follows a numerology theory, which suggests the number 12 is one of great completeness, such as the 12 Zodiac signs, 12 hours on a clock and 12 months of the year, for example. Thirteen, on the other hand, is a number that stands outside of the number 12’s perfection, making it abnormal, or in this case, unlucky.

Over the years, however, some of the larger fears of the day may have diminished.

Anne Benoit, english senior from Houma, admits not only to having no fear of the 13th, but is actually looking forward to it.

“I think the fact that so many people are wary of the day makes it more of a day to watch people sociologically and see what they’re going to do and how they react. That’s the entertaining part of it.”

Benoit also admits to having some fun with people who are superstitious of the 13th through her past employment in a bookstore.

“I used to work in a bookstore, and I’d deliberately walk underneath ladders all the time, and people would always say things to me about it,” Benoit said. “I don’t really believe in anything like that.”

Erin Gregory, psychology freshman from Houma, said the 13th, to her, has become just another day.

“I don’t think it’s a big deal at all, and I think people over-dramatize it,” Gregory said. “People blow it out of proportion and get it in their head that something bad is going to happen, and they make it happen. When people hear that Friday the 13th is coming, they get scared and make bad things happen.”

The mysterious origins of Friday the 13th continues to raise questions. For now, skeptics will have to rely on myths, theories and personal beliefs to form their own opinions about the day.