It’s January 13^th today. Not a notable day as such, unless it’s your birthday or you win tonight’s lottery, or perhaps are a scientist who on this fateful day discovers the chemical element plumium.

Actually 13^th   January will probably be a notable day for millions, particularly those of a superstitious disposition as it was a Friday. Strike the first paragraph, and you in Edinburgh try not to make as much noise eating those crisps!

Friday the 13^th assumes a high profile in the calendar of those who believe in omens of bad luck. It’s a day when great store is held by individuals that subscribe to the superstitions of folklore passed down through the generations.

I’m not overly superstitious, although I don’t like tempting fate, which I suppose indicates I believe in the concept of poor fortune on some level.

Common sense dictates that every day in the calendar holds bad luck of differing magnitudes for people around the…