Unlucky for some

People used to dread anything associated with the number. The superstition about unlucky 13 goes back many, many years and many cultures have references to the number - in Christianity, there were 13 people at the last supper; in Hinduism, the 13th day after a death is marked; there are references in Sikhism, Judaism and many other cultures.

The number even has a recognised phobia - triskaidekaphobia.

Newspapers and magazines used to feature many a story about "unlucky 13". We used to hear of people who avoided driving on Friday the 13th. There used to be stories of people who wouldn't leave their home. Buildings in multi-storey buildings will often have no 13th floor.

And builders would leave the number off their developments so even now houses on one side of roads go from 11 then 15 and flats are listed as 12, 12a and 14.

But we simply don't hear as much about this and other superstitions today.

My grandmother would close her curtains so she didn't glimpse the new moon through glass. My mum would never put new shoes on a table.

I was brought up not opening umbrellas indoors. I spent my childhood searching for four-leaved clovers, making certain I didn't break mirrors, blowing all my birthday candles out with one breath and not stepping on cracks in pavements.

These superstitions had been passed on through the generations. But have they stopped now?

Is it because we live in an increasing secular society? Is it because we're all so educated we know that crossing our fingers won't bring good luck and pulling chicken wishbones won't actually make a difference to our lives. Or is it because today's parents simply aren't spending time with their kids?

My kids - young adults now - laugh and mock when I discuss superstitions. "Hardly scientific, eh mum?" son declares.

Strange, then, that the entire household had to have a stir of the Christmas cake mix the other weekend . . .

PS I'll be interested to hear what happens to you on Friday, November 13.