Cultures in different sections of the world have particular numbers that they’re superstitious about. Within those cultures, individuals may view specific numbers as bad and may not choose them when selecting lucky lottery numbers. For instance, in Britain, the 13th digit is regarded as an unlucky number, and people avoid it in many occasions like when numbering floors in their premises. Many parts of the world also have different numbers that they hold, either negative or positive irrational beliefs about. Keep reading to discover how different societies view numbers.
Number Four-China and Germany
The pronunciation of number four in China resembles the sound of the term death in that country. Because of the death image the number four sparks, many buildings in China don’t have the 4th floor. Countries having Chinese influence, including Vietnam and Japan; also associate number four with death and view it as an unlucky number. In Germany, however, number four is lucky because it’s equivalent to the ‘four-leaf clover.’
Number seven: US, UK, Netherland, and other western nations
These countries regard number seven as a lucky digit. Their beliefs about the figure are mostly religious as God created the earth in seven days. In those countries, number seven is also fortunate because it is used to refer to the seven wonders of the old world and the seven planets.
Number seven is, however, seen as an unlucky number in China, Vietnam, and Thailand. In these countries, the number represents the 7th month associated with the evil spirits which cause death.
Number 9: Norway, China
In the above countries, number 9 is associated with good fortune. In China, for instance, number 9 belongs to the emperor. In Norway, many mythologies use number 9 in their accounts and regard it as a blessed number.
Number39: Afghanistan
The number is associated with bad luck in Afghanistan. In that country, the number is translated to mean ‘dead cow’ and a procurer of prostitutes. Many Afghanis give a wide berth to a public commuter vehicle bearing number 39 on its number plate.
Number 666: China, Christian communities
In China, the number means that everything will go smoothly as planned. Within the Christian communities, numeral 666 represents the beast. This beast is associated with antichrist activities.
Number 8: China, Japan, and Vietnam
In the above countries, number 8 is associated with prosperity and the creation of wealth. In India, however, number 8 connotes terrible luck. The figure represents Sani related to breaking the peace.
Even numbers: Russia
In Russia, all even numbers are regarded as being unlucky because they represent the even numbers that are given during a funeral. In the same country, however, odd numbers portend luck, and it’s advisable to offer a person flowers in odd figures.
Friday the 17th: Italy
Popular culture in Italy regards Friday 17th as a day of back luck. The origin of the belief is derived from the Roman numeral of 17, XVII which, when reorganized, becomes VIXI, which in Latin means my ‘life is over.
Conclusion
Cultures all over the world have numbers that they associate either with good or bad luck. This blog has reviewed some countries and how they view particular numbers.