THE COASTER asked these Shore-area residents, “The 13th of June falls on a Friday this month. Are you superstitious?” and here are their replies:
Carmela West, Carmela’s – No, not when it comes to Friday the 13th. My grandson was born on the 13th and it was one of the happiest days of my life. I think of 13 as good luck.Liza Aschettino, Wanamassa – Yes, kinda. I only believe in the one, don’t walk under a ladder. When I was younger they would tell me that. I always have to knock on wood in order not to jinx myself.John Baccarella, Tinton Falls – I’ve never been superstitious. It’s just another day for me. I don’t even think about it. I walk under ladders all the time. No problem.Sister Maureen Christensen, Lakewood – Friday the 13th is a lucky day for me. My father and brother were each born on Friday the 13th. It works in reverse for me, it’s good luck.Matthew Ciuccio w/Angelina, Nyack, NY – I’m not superstitious at all. I don’t care about a black cat or walking under a ladder. Life is what you make of it.Jessica Hawkins, Sunset Diner -Yes, I am. I’m old school Italian and we believe in the Malouk, that’s when someone can put a bad wish on you. I believe in that sort of thing.Brandon Healey, Carmela’s – No, not really. I believe in karma. If you do good things, good things happen. If you do bad things, bad things happen.Nikki Iadanza, Ocean Grove – I believe in the magic of it. Everyone always thinks it brings out the worst in people and events, but I think it brings out the good stuff.Chuck & Sue Mitchell, Neptune City – Chuck: Yes. I’m superstitious. If I’m playing baseball I never step on the white line. If we win the game, I don’t change my socks. And I even have a black cat. Sue: No i’m not superstitious. And I don’t think Friday the 13th is a bad luck day. For no particular reason. I think you make your own luck, good or bad.Mike Phillips, Wanamassa – About some things I guess. When I was playing sports I was very superstitious about the socks I wore and how I dressed. I wrestled in high school and college. Only bad things could happen If I didn’t do my routine.Vicky Roon, Ocean – I’m really superstitious. I was born on the 13th, but not a Friday. Sometimes my birthday falls on Friday the 13th. And I do have a black cat, Meeko.Sharon Spiropulos w/Haley, Wanamassa – A little, I guess. If I see a black cat in front of my car, I get nervous. Friday the 13th doesn’t scare me. I don’t watch horror movies because I don’t like being scared. I avoid it.Jane Stada, Neptune -This year, Friday the 13th happens to be June 13, which is the Feast of St. Anthony. St. Anthony is the patron saint of lost items. He has helped my friend and me on several occasion to find important lost items.Ron Weir, Neptune City – No, not at all. I believe in karma, not so much superstition. As for karma, I think it comes around to get you every time you do something wrong. I do auto racing and when I do things wrong, I never have a good day at the track. It always comes back to get me.