Over 80 of hi rise buildings hotels and hospitals in the us don t have a 13th floor

Over 80% of hi-rise buildings, hotels, and hospitals in the US don’t have a 13th floor.

You might think that walking into a hi-rise building, hotel, or hospital, each floor would seamlessly lead to the next. However, in the United States, it is quite common to find that these buildings intentionally skip a particular floor - the 13th floor. It may sound peculiar, but more than 80% of such buildings in the US don’t have a 13th floor!

This phenomenon can be attributed to a common superstition surrounding the number 13. Known as triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13 has its roots in ancient history and has persisted throughout cultures around the world. To this day, it continues to influence various aspects of society, including architecture.

The fear of the number 13 can be traced back to a variety of historical and cultural sources. Many believe that it originated from the Last Supper, where Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th guest at the table. This association has led to the perception that the number 13 is unlucky or even sinister.

While the fear of the number 13 exists, it has certainly influenced the design and construction of buildings, especially in Western countries like the United States. Often, you will find that the floor numbers jump from 12 to 14, completely skipping over the number 13. This practice is particularly prevalent in hi-rise buildings, hotels, and hospitals.

The rationale behind omitting the 13th floor lies in the desire to minimize potential discomfort or apprehension among occupants. Building owners and designers understand that some individuals may be superstitious or have a genuine fear of the number 13. By removing the 13th floor from the numbering scheme, they hope to create a more psychologically comfortable environment for tenants or guests.

Interestingly, this tradition of omitting the 13th floor is not limited to buildings in the US. It can also be found in many other countries around the world, including Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe. The superstition surrounding the number 13 has permeated global cultures, making the absence of a 13th floor a common occurrence.

Despite the common omission of the 13th floor, it’s important to remember that this practice is purely symbolic. Buildings labeled with a 14th floor are not truly skipping a physical level; rather, the numbering simply skips the number 13. These floors exist but are advertised as a different numerical value to accommodate superstitious beliefs.

While the absence of a 13th floor may seem unusual to some, it is a reflection of the enduring human fascination with superstitions. Whether you believe in superstitions or not, the fact remains that over 80% of hi-rise buildings, hotels, and hospitals in the US choose to respect the superstition surrounding the number 13. So, the next time you step into one of these buildings and notice the jump from the 12th to the 14th floor, you’ll know the reasons behind this intriguing architectural practice.

Source: History.com