> > What I'd like to know is why the number thirteen went so quickly from being "Lucky 13" to the Unlucky version of its numerical being. :-) The cultural transition must have been very recent. You know, part of the symbols of the Great Seal of the United States has an eagle bearing 13 tail feathers, 13 arrows, 13 olives on an olive branch, etc. In fact I think there are thirteen 13's in the image itself. Strange, no?
> >
> > Wolfspirit
>
> I've always heard it was the number of people at the table at the Last Supper. I'm assuming the 13th was Judas.
>
> -Faux "I could be wrong." Pas

The reason for 13 of each object on the great seal is that it stood for 13 states. Each state got it's own tail feather, olive, etc.

As for Italians having unlucky Friday the 17th as well as Friday the 13th, well, I guess Italians must be a superstitous lot.
Howard