The Superstitions of Numbers: Luck and Misfortune Around the World

Numbers hold powerful meanings across different cultures, influencing traditions, daily decisions, and even architectural designs. What is considered lucky in one part of the world might be seen as deeply unlucky elsewhere. Let’s explore some of the most intriguing number superstitions worldwide and how they shape people's lives.

Sheldon: Have you ever noticed how some people refuse to sit in certain rows on airplanes or avoid certain hotel room numbers? It’s all because of number superstitions, which are surprisingly different depending on where you are in the world.

Leonard: Yeah, like how the number 4 is a big no-no in China, Japan, and Korea. It sounds just like their word for “death,” so they often skip the fourth floor in buildings. Kind of like how Western hotels and skyscrapers avoid the 13th floor.

Sheldon: Exactly! But then again, the number 4 isn’t a problem everywhere. In some cultures, like in Western numerology, it actually represents stability and structure.

Leonard: Speaking of numbers that people obsess over, what about 7? It’s considered super lucky in the West—probably because of religious and mystical associations, like the seven days of creation or the seven wonders of the world. Gamblers especially love it!

Sheldon: True, but funnily enough, in China, 7 can be a little spooky. It’s linked to Ghost Month, a time when spirits are believed to roam freely. So while we might see it as lucky, some Chinese people associate it with the supernatural.

Leonard: And then there’s 8—the number everyone in China wants. Since it sounds like the word for “wealth,” people will go out of their way to get phone numbers or license plates with lots of eights. There was even a Beijing Olympics opening ceremony that started at exactly 8:08 PM on 8/8/08!

Sheldon: That’s fascinating! But in India, 8 isn’t so lucky. It’s linked to Saturn (Shani), which in Hindu astrology is associated with challenges and misfortune. So people there often try to avoid major life events on dates with the number 8.

Leonard: Then there’s 9—good in Thailand, bad in Japan. In Thai, the word for 9 sounds like “progress,” so it’s seen as lucky. But in Japan, 9 sounds like “pain” or “suffering,” which is why hospitals there often skip it in room numbers.

Sheldon: And of course, the infamous 13! So many Westerners fear it—some buildings don’t even have a 13th floor, and airlines often skip row 13. That fear even has a name: triskaidekaphobia. But in places like Italy and Mexico, 13 is actually lucky!

Leonard: It’s crazy how different cultures interpret numbers. I guess whether a number brings good or bad luck really depends on where you are. Do you have a lucky or unlucky number?

(Sources: Cultural studies on numerology, historical beliefs in China, Japan, and India, and real-world examples from the travel industry.)

Will you share the lucky and unlucky numbers in your country? Which of them do you personally believe? And what about Friday, the 13-th? What do you think of people who are afraid of this date?