Numerous societies view specific numbers as auspicious or ominous.

On this particular Friday the 13th, let's take a journey around the world to explore various superstitions and the fear of certain numbers that many cultures hold.

In Japan, people are known to harbour a superstition about Friday the 13th, much like their counterparts in Italy. Interestingly, the number nine is also feared in Japan due to its similarity to the word for torture or suffering.

Across the globe, the number 13 is widely regarded as unlucky in many cultures, including Albania. This number carries a historical significance of misfortune, as it was the year Albania declared its independence in 1913, only to be invaded shortly after. The number 13 also symbolizes bad luck and is a recurring theme in various Albanian literary works.

Similarly, some buildings in China skip a fourth floor, mirroring the practice in some U.S. buildings of omitting floor 13. This is due to the number four being associated with death in China, as it sounds similar to the word for death.

Afghanistan is another country where a specific number, 39, is considered unlucky. This number translates to "morda-gow," a slang term for a pimp.

The number 666, often associated with the Bible's apocalyptic Book of Revelation, is feared due to its association with "the number of the beast." This "beast" is often interpreted as being the Antichrist, adding to the number's negative connotations. This fear is so significant that it has a name: Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia.

An intriguing connection between today's date and the number 13 can be found in the Roman numeral XVII. When rearranged, it can create the word "VIXI" in Latin, which means "my life is over."

Joe Nickell, a senior research fellow and paranormal investigator for the Skeptical Inquirer magazine, delves into these superstitions, seeking to debunk them with scientific evidence. His work provides a fascinating perspective on the irrational fears that persist across cultures and the human psyche.