Friday the 13th in Italy: Why Italians Don’t Fear It and What They Do Fear Instead

It’s Friday the 13th – let’s talk Italian superstitions!
While people across the globe may be clutching their lucky charms, avoiding ladders, and steering clear of black cats, Italians are not losing any sleep over this infamous date. In Italy, Friday the 13th doesn’t carry the spooky weight that it does in the United States or other parts of the Western world. In fact, Italians have their own unlucky date—and it’s not what you think.

Welcome to the world of Italian superstition, where Friday the 17th, not the 13th, is the date that causes unease. In this in-depth look, we’ll uncover why Italians view the number 13 as lucky, where the fear of the 17th originated, and how these beliefs are woven into Italian culture, language, numerology, and even religion.

Friday the 13th: The Italian Superstition

Across many Western countries, Friday the 13th is shrouded in fear. It’s a date so notorious it has its own name: paraskevidekatriaphobia, the fear of Friday the 13th. Airlines may skip row 13. Buildings often omit the 13th floor. People hesitate to marry, travel, or make important decisions on this day.

This cultural superstition is tied to a mashup of biblical references (like the 13 guests at the Last Supper and Christ’s crucifixion on a Friday), Norse mythology, and medieval folklore. In the Anglo-American world, it's seen as a bad omen, a day when misfortune lurks around every corner.

But in Italy? Not so much.

In Italy, the Number 13 Is Considered Lucky

Let’s flip the narrative. In Italian culture, the number 13 (tredici) isn’t ominous—it’s actually fortunate. Many Italians believe 13 brings luck, wealth, and even divine favor. It’s not uncommon to play 13 in the lottery or consider it a sign of good things to come.

This belief may stem from ancient pagan traditions. The number 13 was associated with the goddess of fertility and lunar cycles. It was later absorbed into folk beliefs and even melded with Christian themes.

In Southern Italy, especially Naples, the expression “fare tredici” (“to make thirteen”) means to hit the jackpot—literally winning the football pools! That’s about as far from unlucky as you can get.

The Real Unlucky Day in Italy: Friday the 17th

So if 13 is lucky, what do Italians consider unlucky? That would be Friday the 17th—a date that makes many Italians think twice before booking a flight or planning a wedding.

Why the 17th?

The explanation is rooted in Roman numerals and Latin wordplay. The number 17 is written as XVII in Roman numerals. When rearranged, it forms the word VIXI, which in Latin means “I have lived.” But in ancient Rome and Christian symbolism, this phrase implied “My life is over”—in other words, death.

As a result, the number 17 has long carried a morbid connotation in Italy. It’s not uncommon for hotels to skip Room 17. Some elevators jump from 16 to 18. Even some Alitalia planes reportedly omit Row 17!

Superstition Runs Deep in Italian Culture

Italy has a rich tradition of scaramanzia—rituals and beliefs aimed at avoiding bad luck and inviting good fortune. It’s a culture where superstition blends seamlessly with Catholicism, ancient folklore, and daily life.

Italians might:

• Toss salt over the left shoulder to ward off bad spirits.

• Avoid placing hats on beds, which is thought to invite death.

• Steer clear of purple clothing at weddings, as purple is associated with funerals and Lent.

• Touch iron (toccare ferro), the Italian version of “knock on wood.”

In this context, it makes perfect sense that the number 17 would carry a spiritual weight—while 13 continues to symbolize prosperity, fertility, and divine blessing.

Numerology and the Power of 17 in Italy

Numerology—the mystical belief in the spiritual significance of numbers—has deep roots in Italian thought. The fear of 17 may also stem from its odd and unbalanced nature. It's a prime number, it sits between 16 (a square number) and 18 (a multiple of 6), and it has no obvious symmetry.

The belief in 17’s ill fortune even influenced Italy’s Lotto game for years. The number was often avoided in betting combinations, while 13 was embraced as a good luck charm.

Religion and the Friday Connection

Why Friday? Like many other cultures, Italians connect Friday with sorrow and sacrifice. Friday was the day Christ was crucified, making it a solemn day in Christian tradition. So when Friday aligns with a number already associated with death—like 17—it becomes a perfect storm of superstition.

But again, Friday the 13th? Not a problem. Italians go about their Friday the 13ths with no extra rituals, no hesitations, and certainly no phobia. They might even see it as an especially lucky day!

A Historical Timeline of Superstition in Italy

• Ancient Rome: The origin of VIXI gives rise to the unease around the number 17.

• Middle Ages: Catholicism blends with folklore, assigning sacred and profane meanings to numbers.

• Renaissance Period: Numerology and symbolic thinking thrive—reinforcing the lucky 13 and unlucky 17 divide.

• Modern Italy: Cultural superstition continues in subtle ways, from elevator buttons to gambling games.

Popular Expressions Around Luck in Italy

• "Tocca ferro!" — “Touch iron!” (for luck)

• "In bocca al lupo!" — “In the wolf’s mouth!” (good luck, especially before performances or exams)

• "Fare tredici!" — “To make thirteen” (to win big)

• "Mai dire gatto se non ce l’hai nel sacco." — “Never say cat unless you have it in the bag.” (Don’t count your chickens…)

Each phrase reflects Italy’s long-standing relationship with fate, fortune, and the unseen world.

How Italians Celebrate or Avoid Superstition

While some might take Friday the 17th more seriously, modern Italians don’t let it rule their lives. Still, they might avoid scheduling major events on the 17th or keep a cornicello (Italian horn charm) on hand just in case.

Instead of running from the 13th, some Italians may embrace it—buying lottery tickets, wearing red for luck, or enjoying a celebratory espresso toast.

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The Role of the Cornicello in Italian Luck

The cornicello, or Italian horn, is one of Italy’s most iconic good-luck symbols. Worn as jewelry or hung from rearview mirrors, it’s meant to protect against the malocchio (evil eye) and bring prosperity.

The twisted horn shape resembles a chili pepper and is often made in red coral, gold, or silver. It’s the perfect charm to wear on a day like Friday the 17th—or to flip the bad luck of Friday the 13th on its head, wherever you are in the world.

Pair it with our Malocchio charm bracelets and necklaces to stay protected in Italian style.

When in Italy, Fear Not the 13th—Beware the 17th!

If you're visiting Italy on Friday the 13th, relax. Have a cappuccino, go shopping, or plan a romantic dinner. No one’s going to think twice about the date.

But if it’s Friday the 17th? That’s when Italians might raise an eyebrow, toss salt over their shoulder, or discreetly clutch a cornicello under their shirt.

Whether you’re drawn to Italy’s deep-rooted traditions or just love a good cultural twist on common superstitions, understanding these customs is part of what makes Italian life so rich, vibrant—and yes, lucky.

Celebrate the Luck of 13 with Italian Jewelry

In Italy, the number 13 isn’t feared—it’s celebrated. Rooted in ancient tradition and embraced as a symbol of fortune, prosperity, and positive energy, the number 13 holds a special place in Italian culture. That’s why The Italian Jewelry Company proudly features the Tredici Number 13 Silver Necklace, a bold tribute to this lucky Italian number. Whether you're gifting it for good luck, wearing it as a personal charm, or embracing your Italian heritage, this necklace is more than just a number; it’s a powerful symbol of confidence, culture, and style. Let 13 bring you fortunaItalian style.