The world is perceived to have several lucky – and unlucky – numbers. Although there may not be any statistical or historical evidence to suggest whether they are lucky or not, there are many who swear by them.
Most are aware of the idea that the number “7” is lucky and the number “13” is unlucky, but why is this? Ancient traditions and cultures can often reveal why this is the case, as there are many teachings and beliefs that suggest this is the case.
Of course, there are many in different regions that would disagree and suggest that one number is the reverse of how it is perceived in one culture in comparison to theirs.
Countries can be superstitious about certain numbers
Whether you believe in them or not, there are some superstitions that are known throughout the world regarding certain numbers. There are many countries that live and swear by them, with some basing it on the words that they use and how they sound.
For instance, the number “8” is believed to be lucky in Chinese culture, as its translation is close to the words that represent “prosper” and “wealth” in the way that it sounds. By the same token, the Chinese also believe the number “4” is unlucky, as it sounds similar to the word “death”. This is shared by Japan, as the number is pronounced “shi”, which is similar to their word for “death” too.
Western cultures are also known to have numbers that they associate with luck. As highlighted, the number “7” is widely believed to be lucky due to many beliefs that are associated with it. The world of Christianity believes the Seventh day was a day of rest for God after he created the world in six days, while ancient traditions believed it to be regarding the special powers that the seventh son would be gifted.
Although the number “13” is thought to be unlucky, Italians believe something different. They believe it is lucky as it has the letters M and D when written in Roman numerals. These are the initials for Mary and Jesus Christ, hence why they believe it to be lucky. On the flip side, they believe “17” is unlucky, as it contains XVII, which is rearranged as VIXI – “my life is over” or “I have lived”.
Can lucky numbers have an impact on what we do in life?
The history that has been experienced regarding lucky numbers has clearly had an impact on how certain numbers are experienced today.
For instance, those who like to play games with numbers often avoid certain digits because of the perception that has been created. Players who enjoy playing online live roulette may look to avoid numbers such as “11” or “13” due to the negative connotations that they have with them. Others may find “13” an unlucky number in Blackjack because of the position it leaves them in. In contrast, “11” might be a good number as they know they cannot go ‘bust’ if they decide to hit with another card.
It is not just gambling games in which people can perceive certain numbers to have a degree of luck associated with them. Sports athletes can often be superstitious about the numbers they wear on the back of their jerseys, with some being big believers in having the “right” number on their back for them to perform to the expected standard.
Others believe that there can be numbers that are “cursed” because of things that have happened or because of what has been associated with them. For instance, the number ‘666’ is considered bad luck due to its association with the devil.
Faith in numbers: Is history doing it?
Although it can often be difficult to realize or spot, history can often play a huge role in our perception of a certain number. There may not be anything that directly links a human to a number that has made it lucky, but there is something that binds our faith with it, and that is likely to be historical.
It is difficult to really explain what it is, but if people believe it brings them an element of luck, then it is best to believe them, as they will have their own personal reasoning. You might have one that is different to them that – strangely – works for you in terms of your own individual luck.
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