Why Do Italians Consider the Number 17 Unlucky?

in Italian culture While the number 13 brings good luck; The number 17 is considered unlucky. Especially when it is Friday the 17th, many Italians celebrate this day. As “un giorno nero” meaning “black day” is called

So why the number 17? Why is it considered so unlucky?

Some think that this belief started in the Ancient Roman period.

The number 17, when written in Roman numerals as XVII, can be anagrammatically converted to VIXI. VIXI means “I Lived” in Latin and this can be understood as “My life is over.” So, for Italians, the number 17 is associated with death.

Also in the Old Testament of the Bible, The great flood occurred on the 17th day of the second month It is said. This may be another reason why the number 17 is considered unlucky.

Friday is considered unlucky because “Venerdì Santo” (Good Friday) is the day Jesus was crucified.

Combined with the unlucky number 17 Friday the 17th is the unlucky day for Italians It is considered.

When it happens on Friday, the 17th of November, it is considered the “most unlucky day of the month” in Italy. Because November 2 is commemorated as the Day of the Dead in Italy and follows All Saints’ Day, November 1.

Many Italians prefer to stay at home on Friday the 17th.

They don’t go to work, they don’t hold important meetings, they don’t get married. or they don’t make big decisions. Instead, they carry lucky talismans with them. These talismans include a red horn necklace, a horseshoe or the figure of a hunchbacked old man.

Superstition has even affected the business world. Italian airline Alitalia, They do not have seat number 17 on their planes. Renault sold the R17 model as “R177” in Italy.

Turn number 17 on the Cesana Pariol toboggan run as “Senza Nome” (uncredited) is named.

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