Even in the age of technology, many Americans still cling to superstitions.

Some avoid walking under ladders, letting black cats cross their paths and getting out of bed on Friday the 13th.

The modern fear of Friday the 13th grows out of ancient superstitions of Friday and the number 13.

Christians give bad connotations to Friday because Adam was created and expelled from paradise on a Friday.

Christ also was crucified on Friday. The day before his crucifixion, he and the 12 disciples—13 people—held the last supper.

In the old days of witchcraft, devils and witches were believed to hold meetings on Friday nights.

“Of all the numbers, 13 is the one that still today has the greatest aura of superstition,” according to the Dictionary of Superstition.

“Friday the 13th is pure superstition, just like walking under a ladder,” said Seymore Simon, director of undergraduate studies in the psychology department.

“People that observe Friday the 13th make it to be the day that bad things will happen,” said Karen Nissen, sophomore English major.

“I think it’s all in (the) head. It’s a mind thing,” said Chris Rosauer, junior industrial engineering major. “What you think will happen will.”

Patricia Francis, secretary for the English department, agrees.

“I’m conscious of the fact that it is Friday the 13th, but I don’t believe anything bad will happen.”

Steve Withrow, a worker at Video Plus said, “Sales will probably go up on horror movies just because of the humor of it.”

The day Friday itself is considered a day of bad luck, dating back to old proverbs that say that those who “sing on Friday will weep on Sunday.”