This is a very interesting, debatable and endlessly broad topic. To gain a complete picture of it, we would need to examine all the numbers and the way they are perceived as "cultural facts" in different cultures and religions around the world, as well as in more primitive, non-literate societies. This is certainly possible, but it would require an entire book. Our lessons are short and are intended only to raise questions, encourage reflection and awaken curiosity. With this in mind, in our brief lesson we will look at some popular beliefs, mainly about the numbers from one to ten, focusing mostly on European countries, with a few examples from other parts of the world.
In many cultures and religions around the world, certain numbers are regarded as "special". Some are believed to represent divine relationships or sacred phenomena. However, not all numbers enjoy this "divine privilege". In many cultures, people fear certain numbers and even consider them to be unlucky or fatal, bringing misfortune and misery. What terrible thing could these poor numbers possibly have done to deserve such a curse? Unfortunately, in many cases we will never know whether their reputation is the result of bad luck or merely a coincidence of unfortunate historical and cultural circumstances that, over the centuries, have attached an undeserved stigma to them.
But how much does this have to do with mathematics? Or are numbers, in these cases, simply a symbolic language used to represent ideas quantitatively? The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle—between the science of mathematics and the mysticism of life itself.
One thing is certain, however: we all have our favourite numbers. They may be the dates of our birth or of another important event in our lives, or simply numbers that we consider "lucky". Quite intuitively, we often choose these numbers first. They may also be connected with the number of certain objects, processes, distances or events. These preferences are different for everyone, yet we often feel that these numbers are somehow important or fortunate for us. The question remains whether these numbers really possess such magical power or whether it is merely a coincidence. Does God guide them, or is it simply blind chance? In general, however, our beliefs and superstitions about certain numbers are rooted in the societies in which we live. For example, the number four is completely neutral in most European countries, whereas in China, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Korea and Vietnam it is often regarded as an unlucky number.
In Europe, America and many other parts of the world, the number 13 is believed to bring bad luck. Some people are so afraid of this number that certain hotels even omit the thirteenth floor from their lifts in order to avoid causing anxiety among guests. There is even a specific term for the fear of the number 13: triskaidekaphobia.
Several explanations have been offered for this superstition. One biblical explanation is that Judas was the thirteenth person present at the Last Supper, and he was the one who betrayed Jesus. This unfortunate event has often been linked to the expectation that something bad will happen whenever the number 13 appears. Similar beliefs existed among the Vikings and in ancient Egypt. Long lists of unfortunate events that allegedly occurred on the 13th day of the month or at thirteen o'clock have also been compiled.
Another "fatal" number is 666. Fear of the number 666 is also widespread. It even has its own name: hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia. In the Bible, 666 is described as the number of the Beast.
There is also a field of study known as numerology. Traditionally associated with the ideas of the Greek philosopher Pythagoras, numerology explores the relationships between numbers, the principles on which the world is believed to be built and the influence numbers may have on people's lives. By analysing numbers derived from a person's date of birth, for example, numerologists claim they can reveal information about personality, destiny and favourable or unfavourable periods in life.
However, numerology is regarded as a pseudoscience, much like astrology, which uses the number twelve to divide the zodiac into twelve signs. How much mathematics is involved in this? In one sense, there is some mathematics—in the way numbers are organised and the relationships between them. However, the interpretations themselves belong to the realm of belief rather than mathematical science.
So, what do the numbers from one to ten symbolise?
Number 1 – Symbolises the beginning and creation. It is sometimes regarded as a symbol of God. It also appears in the expression "to be number one", meaning to be the best.
Number 2 – Pythagoras believed that the number two represented diversity. According to him, it is the first "real" number because it represents more than one. It may symbolise duality, conflict, separation and disorder, but it can also represent harmony, balance and order. The Chinese concept of Yin and Yang reflects two opposing but complementary forces that sustain the universe. In China, two is generally considered a lucky number.
Number 3 – Three is regarded as a sacred number in many religions. Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome all had groups of three principal deities. Christians believe in the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In Islam, three is sometimes associated with the human soul. According to Pythagoras, three symbolises perfect harmony because it combines one (unity) and two (diversity). In fairy tales, three is often connected with completion and success: the hero usually faces three tasks or three trials before receiving the reward.
Number 4 – Four is commonly associated with the square and the cross. The square symbolises stability. Four is the number of the four cardinal directions, the four seasons and the four stages of human life: childhood, youth, adulthood and old age. According to Pythagoras, it represents perfection because it is the first square number (2²). In several Asian countries, four is considered unlucky because its pronunciation resembles the word for "death". Among many Native American cultures, four symbolises order, structure and the organisation of space, and is therefore associated with the Earth.
Number 5 – According to Pythagoras, five symbolises marriage because it combines the first even number (2) and the first odd number after one (3). In Chinese tradition, it represents the centre. In Islam, it is associated with the five daily prayers.
Number 6 – In Chinese culture, six is often associated with good fortune. For Christians, six has an ambivalent meaning. It may symbolise completion because God created the world in six days. It is also considered lucky because six is the highest number on a standard die. However, it can also be associated with evil through the number 666.
Number 7 – In many cultures, seven symbolises completeness because it combines the divine number three with the earthly number four. In ancient Egypt, it represented eternal life. The Bible also gives seven both positive and negative symbolic meanings.
Number 8 – In many cultures, eight symbolises happiness and prosperity. For Christians, it is often associated with resurrection and new beginnings.
Number 9 – Nine has different meanings in different cultures. In China, it is considered lucky because its pronunciation resembles the word for "long-lasting". In Japan, however, it is often regarded as unlucky because it sounds similar to the word for "pain". Christianity also refers to the nine orders of angels.
Number 10 – Ten is widely regarded as a complete and perfect number. According to Pythagoras, it symbolises cosmic creation. Human beings have ten fingers, which have served as one of the earliest tools for counting.
The number 12 also enjoys a special status because it is associated with the twelve months of the year, the twelve signs of the zodiac and the twelve apostles in Christianity.
There are many other "special" numbers. In different cultures, numbers are believed to possess particular powers, charms or magical qualities. Some are thought to bring good fortune, while others are believed to bring misfortune. Such beliefs are almost always connected with specific historical events, myths, legends or religious traditions. Whether these events actually happened or belong only to the world of stories, they have shaped people's attitudes towards numbers for centuries.
It is up to each of us to decide whether to believe these traditions or to question them. However, a single number is merely a symbol. By itself, it has no magical power to make us happy or unhappy. Even all the numbers together cannot determine our destiny.
Although most of us understand this, we still find ourselves paying attention to certain numbers for one reason or another. Sometimes, without even realising it, we allow unexplained superstitions to influence our lives. It is surprisingly difficult to free ourselves from them.
One thing is certain: for better or for worse, our imagination is often far more powerful than the reality in which we live.
(Elena S. Lyubenova)
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