Italians on Italians
Beyond Toscano

Good day or bad day? Some superstitions

Good day or bad day? Some superstitions
Most people know Friday 13th is considered unlucky, but Italy has one more day it’s considered wise to approach with caution: Friday 17th.
 
The idea of ‘good days’ and ‘bad days’ goes back to Roman times, where there were some days justice would be done, and others not. Tuesdays were considered bad because they were dedicated to Mars, god of war. As for Fridays, they can be considered inauspicious by Muslims because it’s the day Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, and in more modern times, unlucky by Christians for being the day Jesus was crucified.
 
But when a Friday falls on the 13th or 17th, things are thought to really get unlucky. Legend has it, the number 17 brings bad luck as in Roman numerals it’s written XVII, an anagram of VIXI – meaning “I have lived” (implying life is over).
 
Most people consider the number 13 to be unlucky as the 13th guest at the table of The Last Supper was Judas, the disciple that betrayed Jesus. Chapter 13 also happens to be the part of the New Testament that introduces the Beast of Revelation – the devil himself.
 
Of course, you can’t plan your life around avoiding Tuesdays and Fridays, but if they fall on the 13th or 17th, and you’re the least bit superstitious, they could be worth approaching with care.