The Most Notorious Unlucky Numbers Around the World
Numbers have fascinated humans for millennia, not only for their mathematical significance but also for their cultural and superstitious implications. In many cultures, certain numbers are considered unlucky or ominous, often due to historical events, phonetic similarities, or religious beliefs. Here, we explore some of the most notorious unlucky numbers across different cultures and why they hold such significance.
1. Number 13: The Universal Unlucky Number
Arguably the most famous unlucky number is 13. This superstition is prevalent in many cultures, particularly in Western societies. The fear of the number 13 is so widespread that it has its own term: triskaidekaphobia.
Origins and Beliefs:
The superstition surrounding 13 likely stems from ancient traditions. In Christianity, the number 13 is linked to the Last Supper, where Jesus dined with his 12 apostles, making 13 individuals present. Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th guest. This association has led to the belief that 13 is an ill-fated number.
Cultural Impact:
In many buildings, the 13th floor is often skipped or labeled as 14. Airlines may avoid having a 13th row, and some cities avoid numbering streets 13. The avoidance of the number 13 extends to many areas of life, including hotels, hospitals, and even the design of some products.
2. Number 4: An Unlucky Number in East Asia
In contrast to Western beliefs, the number 4 is considered unlucky in many East Asian cultures, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean traditions. The negative connotation of 4 stems from its phonetic similarity to the word for “death” in these languages.
Origins and Beliefs:
In Mandarin Chinese, the word for four (四, pronounced “sì”) sounds very similar to the word for death (死, pronounced “sǐ”). This phonetic similarity creates a superstition around the number 4, leading to its avoidance in various contexts.
Cultural Impact:
Buildings in China, Japan, and Korea may skip the fourth floor, or use alternative designations such as “3A” or “5” to replace it. The number 4 is often avoided in phone numbers, license plates, and addresses due to its association with bad luck.
3. Number 17: The Unlucky Number in Italy
In Italy, the number 17 is considered unlucky due to its association with death and misfortune. The root of this superstition lies in Roman numerals and their interpretation.
Origins and Beliefs:
In Roman numerals, 17 is represented as XVII. By rearranging these letters, they can spell “VIXI,” which translates to “I lived” in Latin. This phrase implies death, leading to the number’s ominous reputation.
Cultural Impact:
Much like the avoidance of the number 13 in Western cultures, Italians may avoid the number 17 in various aspects of daily life. In some cases, buildings and hotels omit the 17th floor or number, similar to the practices surrounding the number 13.
4. Number 39: An Unlucky Number in Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, the number 39 is considered highly unlucky due to its association with criminal activity and social stigma.
Origins and Beliefs:
The number 39 has become associated with a derogatory term that refers to a particular type of criminal activity. This term has made the number 39 a symbol of bad luck and misfortune.
Cultural Impact:
Due to its negative connotations, the number 39 is avoided in various contexts, including addresses, phone numbers, and license plates. This avoidance reflects a broader cultural tendency to distance oneself from any association with bad luck or criminal behavior.
5. Number 666: The Number of the Beast
The number 666 is infamous in many cultures as the “Number of the Beast,” a symbol of evil in Christian eschatology.
Origins and Beliefs:
The association of 666 with evil comes from the Christian Bible, specifically the Book of Revelation. According to the text, 666 is the number of the Beast, a figure representing the devil or an antichrist entity.
Cultural Impact:
The fear of 666 has permeated various aspects of Western culture. Some buildings and products avoid this number, and it has influenced popular culture through horror movies and literature. The number 666 is often avoided in phone numbers, addresses, and even personal identification numbers due to its association with malevolent forces.
6. Number 8: Unlucky in Some Cultures
While the number 8 is considered lucky in many East Asian cultures due to its phonetic similarity to the word for “prosperity,” it is viewed as unlucky in certain contexts or cultures.
Origins and Beliefs:
The superstitions around the number 8 can vary. For example, in some contexts, the number 8 might be associated with overindulgence or excessive behavior. In other cases, the number 8 is avoided due to its resemblance to negative words or concepts.
Cultural Impact:
The number 8’s reputation can shift depending on cultural context. While it is often embraced in some parts of East Asia, it may be avoided or viewed with suspicion in other regions where its symbolism is less favorable.
7. Number 9: A Mixed Symbol
The number 9 has complex connotations in various cultures. While it is considered lucky in some contexts, it can also have negative associations.
Origins and Beliefs:
In Chinese culture, the number 9 is associated with long-lasting and eternal qualities, which is generally seen as positive. However, in some other cultures, the number 9 may be linked to concepts of finality or closure, which could be interpreted negatively.
Cultural Impact:
The perception of the number 9 varies widely. In some cultures, it is a symbol of longevity and perseverance, while in others, it might be associated with endings or transitions that could be viewed as unfavorable.
Conclusion
The perception of numbers and their associated superstitions is deeply rooted in cultural, historical, and linguistic contexts. From the universally feared number 13 to the culturally specific avoidance of 4 and 17, these beliefs reflect the diverse ways humans assign meaning to numerical symbols. Understanding these superstitions provides insight into cultural values and how societies navigate concepts of luck and misfortune. As with all superstitions, it is essential to approach these beliefs with respect for the cultural contexts in which they arise.