Happy Friday 13th! What does the unlucky number mean to Cardiff?

1. Would you work on the 13^th floor of a building?

Working on the 13th floor? Photo: Alisher Hasanor via Flickr

In many tall building lifts we often find the 13^th floor button doesn’t exist, with the long list of options flashing in chronological order but then jumping straight from 12 to 14.

Cardiff’s tallest building, Capital Tower, has 24 floors, including the infamous 13^th floor.

Gaunt Francis Architects are located there. Finance Director, Helen Stewart, said: “We moved from the 14^th floor to the 13^th. It’s interesting because it did make me think about it when it was first announced. I had to tell myself to stop being silly and that it’s just a number. I know that a lot of employers wouldn’t like to be on the 13^th floor.”

2. Would you get married on Friday 13^th?

Saying “I do” on Friday 13th?

Marriage is all about two people committing to each other for life, isn’t it? So bad weather, a last-minute dress disaster or a “unlucky” date shouldn’t make one bit of a difference.

But Cardiff couples are put off from tying the knot on Friday 13^th.

Nia James, Wedding Coordinator at the Marriott Hotel said: ‘I am not aware of us ever having a Friday 13^th wedding here. It’s not because we don’t offer it, it’s just people don’t want to book their wedding on that date.”

3. Would you live in house number 13?

Living in house number 13? Photo: geograph.org.uk

Some streets avoid house number 13 and opt for 12a as an alternative. But Cardiff house hunters do not let the house number influence their decision whether they like a house or a flat.

David Matthews, owner of Matthews Estate Agent, said: “We have been trading for more than eight years and house number 13 has never been a problem, it makes no difference. In some Eastern cultures, other numbers, such as number four, are known to be unlucky numbers.”

4. And sometimes Friday 13 can be a very lucky day…

Ryan Jones, born Friday 13th. Photo: commons.wikimedia.org

Welsh international rugby player Ryan Jones was born on Friday 13 March 1981. He has played in three Grand Slam wins and was captain of the Welsh national team during the 2008 victory.