Friday was Friday the 13th, which for some means a day full of unavoidable bad luck. But not all find the day something that should cause concern.
Those who do not consider it a bad day typically view it as a regular day or even as a day of good luck.
In addition to Friday the 13th, many people have other superstitions. A few common ones are that if a black cat crosses one’s path, it leads to bad luck; another is that a broken mirror can bring several years of bad luck; and yet another states that counting one’s money while playing poker will make one lose the game.
Melissa Ellis, 18, Shawnee
How do you view Friday the 13th?
I just think it’s a party day, or it used to be. I never knew the Friday the 13th thing.
What other superstitions are you familiar with?
My thing is splitting poles, like not to split poles, one person went that way and the other person the other way. It’s bad luck but that’s about as far as my superstition goes.
So you’re not afraid of walking under ladders or anything like that?
I don’t want to walk under ladders just because it will fall down, not because it’s bad luck but because it will crush your skull.
Amber Deathrage, 16, Shawnee
What kind of superstitions do you have?
Every time we see a black cat, we spit.
Is that something you’ve done since you were little?
Yeah. All of us, like me and my friend, Kendra. We always just spit.
Why do you spit?
I don’t know why but just every single time we see a black cat, we spit. Then, if there’s one that crosses us while we’re driving, we put a little cross on the dash.
Shirita Roper, Shawnee
Are you superstitious?
No, not superstitious at all.
What about Friday the 13th?
It’s just another day, Friday the 13th.
What about other superstitions?
No, no black cats, no umbrellas, none of that.
What are some superstitions you are familiar with but find most odd?
The black cat one, under the ladder, splitting the pole, umbrella, broken mirror, they’re odd.
Richard Allen, Kingfisher
Do you consider yourself a superstitious person at all?
More than I like to admit, yeah.
What kind of things are you superstitious about?
Black cats and ladders.
So what have you heard about ladders and black cats, what would happen?
I don’t know, just bad luck. I just won’t do it.
Do you consider the 13th a lucky day, an unlucky day or just another day?
I probably won’t count it. I won’t look at my watch or anything else.
