Because number 17 is associated with bad luck

Superstitions and beliefs surrounding numbers have been prevalent across different cultures and societies for centuries. From lucky number seven to unlucky number thirteen, people have attributed various meanings and significance to different numbers. Among these, the number 17 has long been associated with bad luck in several parts of the world. While seemingly arbitrary, this superstition has deep historical and cultural roots.

The belief of 17 being unlucky can be traced back to the ancient Romans. In Roman numerals, the number 17 is written as “XVII,” which anagrams to “VIXI” in Latin, meaning “I have lived.” This phrase has an eerie connotation as it signifies death and is often found on ancient tombstones. This association of the number 17 with death created a negative perception, leading to the belief that it brings bad luck.

Another interesting explanation for the superstition dates back to the Middle Ages. In ancient numerology, numbers were often associated with letters, and their meanings were derived from the combination of these letters. In this context, the number 17 was associated with the letter “Q,” which stands for “Queen” in several languages. However, during the Middle Ages, the Queen was often portrayed as an evil and treacherous character due to historical incidents. Consequently, the number 17 became synonymous with betrayal and misfortune.

Cultural and religious beliefs have also contributed to the negative perception of this number. In Italian culture, the number 17 is considered unlucky due to its close resemblance to the Roman numeral “XVII,” which can be rearranged to spell “VIXI” once again. Similarly, in some Eastern cultures, the pronunciation of the number 17 in their respective languages resembles words associated with death and tragedy, reinforcing the superstition.

Curiously, some sports and industries have adopted this superstition as well. In Formula 1 racing, car number 17 is often avoided as it is seen as a jinxed number among drivers. Similarly, in the aviation industry, some airlines skip row 17 on their planes, following the belief that passengers might perceive it as unlucky and avoid booking those seats.

Despite its pervasive nature, it is important to note that superstitions are primarily rooted in myths and folklore, lacking any scientific evidence. The negative association with the number 17 is merely a result of cultural beliefs passed down through generations. Nevertheless, the human mind often finds comfort in patterns and omens, which is why superstitions continue to hold significance in contemporary society.

It is worth mentioning that not all cultures perceive 17 to be unlucky. In fact, some cultures consider it to be a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. In Italy, for example, the number 17 is sometimes considered lucky, just as 13 is deemed unlucky in Western cultures. This discrepancy in beliefs emphasizes the subjective nature of superstitions and the influence of cultural backgrounds.

In conclusion, the superstition surrounding the number 17 and its association with bad luck is deeply ingrained in various historical, cultural, and religious factors. From its connection with death in ancient Rome to its similarity to ominous phrases in several languages, this belief has persisted over centuries. However, it is essential to recognize that superstitions are unsubstantiated and subjective beliefs, and their impact is often derived from cultural interpretations.