There is one day that seems to strike a sense of dread in the hearts of many. It can happen as many as three times in a given year or it could wait as long as 14 months between visits, but the fear of Friday the 13th is known as Paraskavedekatriaphobia.

Mathematicians are quick to point out that everything in life can be reduced to numbers. Our DNA, the strands of hairs on our head, vital organs, white blood cells – everything has a number attached to it. Those who fear numbers are said to have Numerophobia.

This phobia is quite common. Hospitals are a symbol of illness, infirmity, and even death. Of course, hospitals can also symbolize the most beautiful aspects of humankind. The miracle of birth, as well as the nurturing and caring that takes place in hospitals, can be very inspiring. When an aversion toward hospitals becomes persistent and extreme, it is called Nosocomephobia.

The fear of certain numbers is actually quite common. The fear of the figure eight itself causes a fear that can sometimes go beyond the actual number. This particular fear is called Octophobia.

Since Biblical times, when Judas was the 13th person to arrive at the Last Supper, the number 13 has been associated with bad luck and with the occult.