PARASKEVIDEKATRIAPHOBIA
Friday the 13th Folklore, Superstitions and Phobias
There is only one Friday the 13th until year 2008. Time is running out. Schedule the national Holiday Superstition Reporter, Dr. Donald Dossey, for an interview now.
Another Friday the 13th is looming, and this means high anxiety to paraskevidekatriaphobics - people with blind, unreasoning fear of this day and date, as opposed to those who have a clear, reasonable fear of not being able to say that word.
Dr. Dossey tells patients, "Paraskavidekatriaphobia--when you learn to pronounce it, you're cured!"
Dr. Donald Dossey, author of the new fast-selling book HOLIDAY FOLKLORE, PHOBIAS AND FUN: Mythical Origins, Scientific Treatments and Superstitious "Cures", is a well-known expert on the mythical origins and superstitions of holidays and is internationally known for his pioneering work in the treatment of phobias, anxieties and stress.
An entertaining historical folklorian, Dr. Dossey will share with you some of the ancient origins surrounding Friday the 13th, as well as some fascinating and humorous folklore superstitious "remedies" for Friday the 13th anxieties. For example, one "cure" would have you hang all your socks with holes in them outside your window. He will also offer some modern techniques that help victims of fear and superstition.
Have you ever wondered:
* Why Friday became the "bad" day of the week and not Monday?
* Who started this fear of the number "13" anyway, some dysfunctional Roman family, an alcoholic Norseman or a drug induced Druid?
* How did Adam and Eve get into the picture of fear of Friday the 13th?
* What effect does the economy have on holiday superstitions and phobias?
* What the difference is between superstitions, beliefs and phobias?
* What are some old-timey superstitious "cures" that deal with fear of Friday the 13th?
* Does walking around your house 13 times really ward off evil spirits
or is chewing a piece of beef gristle while standing on your head better?
Dr. Dossey appears on hundreds of radio and TV talk shows every holiday because many are fascinated by the origins and humorous folklore superstitions of the holidays; others by the phobias and stresses surrounding them. Many prefer both!. He has been seen numerous times on CNN and HARD COPY and on OPRAH, GERALDO, National Public Radio and THE OTHER SIDE. He is an informative, lively and entertaining guest known worldwide as the humorous Holiday Superstition Reporter as well as "the Will Rogers with a Ph.D."
AVAILABILITY: Nationally by arrangement and via telephone.
CONTACT: Howard Geer, Publicity, for interview with Dr. Donald Dossey (828) 258-1311 (NC) or drdossey@drdossey.com
- PARASKEVIDEKATRIAPHOBIA -
WHY ARE SUPERSTITIONS AND OCCULT MOVEMENTS ON THE RISE THIS FRIDAY THE 13TH!
SUGGESTED QUESTIONS
Interview Dr. Donald Dossey. author of HOLIDAY FOLKLORE, PHOBIAS and FUN: Mythical Origins, Scientific Treatments and Superstitious "Cures" and KEYING: The Power of Positive Feelings: Overcoming Fears, Phobias and Stress (7th Printing).
1. Why is the number of members in occult, mystical and esoteric movements on the rise?
2. Is it connected with the soaring number of superstitions, obsessive/compulsive rituals and phobia?
3. Is it because of some satanic crusade or is there a more scientific explanation?
4. How are our industries, the American government and the U.S. Armed services effected by Friday the 13th?
5. What's the difference between superstitions, beliefs and phobias?
6. Why did Friday become the "bad" day of the week and not Monday?
7. Who started this fear of the number "13" anyway, some dysfunctional Roman family, an alcoholic Norseman or a drug induced Druid?
8. How did Adam and Eve get into the picture of fear of Friday the 13th.?
9. What effect does the economy have on superstitions and phobias?
10. What are the symptoms of paraskevidekatriaphobia, the fear of Friday the 13th.?
11. Are all superstitions negative?
12. What are some ancient folklore "cures" that deal with fear of Friday the 13th?
13. Does walking around your house 13 times really ward off evils spirits
or is chewing a piece of beef gristle while standing on your head better?
Contact: Howard Geer (828) 258-1311 or drdossey@drdossey.com
NEWS BULLETIN-
ATTENTION:
Feature and
News Editors,
News Directors, Talk Show Hosts &
Producers
DID YOU KNOW...
* 17 TO 21 MILLION Americans suffer from paraskevidekatriaphobia - the fear of Friday the 13th? (4 to 5 million in the UK)
* it has been estimated that 750 MILLION DOLLARS will be LOST in business because people will not shop, travel or take risks of any kind on this Friday the 13th?
* that the U.S. NAVY to this day will NOT LAUNCH a ship on Friday the 13th?
* that OVER 85% will RISK THEIR LIVES rather than walk under a ladder?
* symptoms range from mild anxiety and a nagging sense of doom to full blown panic attacks?
* SOME WILL NOT EVEN GET OUT OF BED or leave their homes this Friday the 13th?
* that most other superstitious fears show up on or around Friday the 13th.?
* where breaking a mirror, believed by millions to bring bad luck, originated?
* that hanging a horseshoe the wrong way will bring bad luck?
* where the superstition of stepping on a crack as an ill omen was created?
* why some throw salt over their shoulder to ward off evil events?
* the reason why millions consider crossing a black cat's path unlucky?
* why the number of members in occult, mystical and exoteric movements is on the rise?
For Answers to these and many more fascinating questions surrounding Friday the 13th, superstitions, and magical spells, call now for an interview with Dr. Donald Dossey, author of HOLIDAY FOLKLORE, PHOBIAS and FUN: Mythical Origins, Scientific Treatments and Superstitious "Cures" and member of North Carolina Folklore Society.
CONTACT: Howard Geer, Publicity, for interview with
Dr. Dossey
(828) 258-1311 Asheville, NC or drdossey@drdossey.com