Black cats, broken mirrors and stepping on a crack are all to be avoided by the superstitious, but today is the day those same people fear the most.

Today is Friday the 13th, known as an unlucky day, and we asked 13 people in Vicksburg if they are superstitious. The overwhelming majority of people surveyed in Vicksburg said they are not superstitious for one reason or another, but some avoid certain situations to stay safe on that most feared of days.

“I’ve never seen anything to make me believe anything like that,” Jami Chambers said. “Like the whole seven years of bad luck if you break the mirror, walking under the ladder, don’t sweep my feet with the broom because I’ll go to jail, no I don’t believe in that.”

Whether it’s leaving an umbrella outside, crossing your fingers, knocking on wood or wearing the same outfit on game day, some people have rituals that make them feel better while others evade settings that could bring them harm.

“Walking under ladders is one of my biggest ones,” Craig Vickers said. “I think it might bring bad luck. It’s always been just a rule of thumb for me.”

Friday the 13th can also be associated with Halloween because of the slasher horror film franchise of the same name that started in the 1980s and follows Jason Voorhees’ killing sprees.

Preston Porter is all about dodging those who could have similar tendencies as Voorhees on the thirteenth.

“[I] Stay away from crazy people on the 13th,” Porter said. “People might still pull out their Halloween costumes.”

There are also those who don’t take the movie very seriously.

“No, I’ve seen movies about it, but it can’t be that bad,” Jimmy Gray said.

Being superstitious has never been something Bobby Hartley has been worried about.

“I figure the Lord made the 13th just like he did the 14th,” Hartley said.

“If he wants me to have a problem on the 13th I will, and if I don’t, I’ll have it on the 14th maybe.”

He is more concerned about the wellbeing of the black cat than what it will do to him.

“A cat can cross the road, it’s ok with me,” Hartley said. “If I don’t hit him, he made it another day.”

For some, the day is special in their life because it marks a momentous occasion.

“No because I was born on Friday the 13th of March 1953,” Renee James said.

She wasn’t the only one who commemorates the day without superstition.

“I just don’t think there is anything to it,” Teresa Bradshaw said. “To me it’s just a good day.”

She has a niece that was born on Friday the 13th, and Bradshaw herself was born on Halloween and celebrated turning 80 this year.

“Pope John XXIII said ‘everyday is a good day to be born, and everyday is a good day to die’ so I believe that,” Bradshaw said.

Others find the good in all the supposed bad and believe the day has the opposite power than how it is known.

“Not really. If anything I’m one of those people who has good luck on Friday the 13th. I’ve always been really happy about it,” Lacey McLaughlin said.

She called herself a realist who is more into science than superstitions.

“I’ve never been really superstitious,” McLaughlin said.

Becky Thomas has found the day to be winner for her as well.

“No. Friday the 13th has always been my lucky day,” Thomas said. “I never bought into it.”

Several people just dismiss the notion of luck and superstitions all together.

“No, I think it’s a bunch of bunk,” John Shiers said.

Then there are those who rely of their faith to get them through life instead of focusing on anything negative that could happen.

“No, I trust the Lord and follow God whichever way he wants to lead me,” Cathy Benson said.

Al Legg agreed with Benson when he said he puts his belief in other places than superstitions.

“No. I believe in the Lord. I don’t believe in superstitions,” Legg said.

Some don’t think their destiny is determined by irrational fears.

“I just don’t believe in it,” Latori Wilson said. “I don’t think the day or a black cat should determine if you’re going to have good luck that day or not.”