Why Unlucky Numbers Hold Such Significance in Chinese Culture

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Originally posted on May 17, 2023 @ 7:29 pm

In Chinese culture, certain numbers are considered unlucky or inauspicious due to their pronunciation and association with negative events or ideas. This belief has influenced various aspects of Chinese life, from business to personal relationships, and plays a significant role in everyday life. In this article, we will delve deeper into the meaning and superstitions surrounding these unlucky numbers.

The Significance of Numerology in China

The Chinese have always had a deep fascination with numerology, and this can be seen through their strong belief in the power of numbers. The Chinese believe that numbers can influence everything from one’s destiny to one’s fortune. Therefore, it’s no surprise that some numbers are considered unlucky.

The Origins of Unlucky Numbers

The origins of unlucky numbers in China can be traced back to the Chinese language. In the Chinese language, some numbers are pronounced similarly to words that have negative connotations. For example, the number four sounds similar to the word for death in Chinese. Therefore, the number four is considered unlucky.

The Number Four

The number four is considered one of the most unlucky numbers in Chinese culture. It’s so unlucky that many buildings in China don’t have a fourth floor, and many Chinese people avoid the number four at all costs. The reason for this is that the number four sounds similar to the word for death in Chinese. Therefore, the number four is associated with death and bad luck.

The Number Seven

Unlike the number four, the number seven is considered lucky in many cultures. However, in Chinese culture, the number seven is considered unlucky. The reason for this is that the number seven sounds similar to the word for gone in Chinese. Therefore, the number seven is associated with loss and separation.

The Number Eight

The number eight is considered lucky in Chinese culture. The reason for this is that the number eight sounds similar to the word for wealth in Chinese. Therefore, the number eight is associated with wealth and prosperity.

How Unlucky Numbers Influence Chinese Superstitions

Unlucky numbers hold a significant place in Chinese superstitions. Many Chinese people will avoid certain numbers or take measures to counteract the bad luck associated with certain numbers.

Key Takeaway: Unlucky numbers in Chinese culture hold a significant place and can impact everything from business to everyday life. The number four is considered the most unlucky number because it sounds similar to the word for death in Chinese. Chinese people will avoid this number at all costs, such as not buying a house or car with the number four in it. The number seven is considered unlucky because it sounds similar to the word for gone. Similarly, numbers three and six are associated with disasters and conflicts, respectively. Chinese people may also take measures to counteract the bad luck associated with certain numbers, such as carrying a charm with the lucky number eight.

Avoiding Unlucky Numbers

Many Chinese people will avoid certain numbers at all costs. For example, many Chinese people will not buy a house or a car with the number four in it. Similarly, some Chinese people will not choose a phone number that contains the number four.

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Countering the Bad Luck of Unlucky Numbers

Some Chinese people will take measures to counteract the bad luck associated with certain numbers. For example, some Chinese people will carry a charm or wear a piece of jewelry that has the number eight on it to bring them good luck.

The Role of Unlucky Numbers in Chinese Culture

Unlucky numbers have played a significant role in Chinese culture for centuries. They have influenced everything from the way buildings are constructed to the way people choose phone numbers. Therefore, it’s important to understand the significance of unlucky numbers in Chinese culture.

Key takeaway: Unlucky numbers have a significant impact on Chinese culture and superstitions. Some numbers, such as the number four, are considered so unlucky that they are avoided at all costs. By contrast, other numbers, such as the number eight, are associated with good luck and prosperity. Some Chinese people take measures to counteract the bad luck associated with certain numbers, such as carrying a charm with the number eight on it. Understanding the significance of unlucky numbers is important in navigating everyday life and business in China.

The Impact on Business

Unlucky numbers can have a significant impact on businesses in China. For example, if a business has a phone number with the number four in it, it may be difficult to attract customers. Similarly, if a business is located on the fourth floor of a building, it may be difficult to attract customers.

The Impact on Everyday Life

Unlucky numbers can also have an impact on everyday life in China. For example, if someone has the number four in their phone number, they may receive fewer calls. Similarly, if someone lives in a building that doesn’t have a fourth floor, they may have to explain to their friends why they live on the third floor instead of the fourth.

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Unlucky Numbers in Chinese Culture

The key takeaway from this text is that unlucky numbers hold great significance in Chinese culture, with some numbers being considered unlucky due to their association with negative words in the Chinese language. The number four is considered one of the most unlucky numbers in Chinese culture, associated with death and bad luck, while the number seven is associated with loss and separation. The number eight, on the other hand, is considered lucky and associated with wealth and prosperity. Unlucky numbers can have an impact on businesses and everyday life in China, and some Chinese people take measures to counteract the bad luck associated with certain numbers. It’s important to understand the significance of unlucky numbers in Chinese culture.

The Number Four: The Most Unlucky Number

The superstition surrounding the number four is so strong that it has become ingrained in Chinese culture. Many Chinese people will avoid the number four at all costs. For example, many Chinese people will not buy a house or a car with the number four in it. Similarly, some Chinese people will not choose a phone number that contains the number four.

The Number Seven: The Unlucky Number of Loss

The superstition surrounding the number seven is not as strong as the superstition surrounding the number four. However, some Chinese people will still avoid the number seven at all costs. For example, some Chinese people will not choose a phone number that contains the number seven.

The Number Three: The Unlucky Number of Disasters

The number three is considered unlucky in Chinese culture because it sounds similar to the word for disaster in Chinese. Therefore, the number three is associated with disasters and misfortune.

The superstition surrounding the number three is not as strong as the superstition surrounding the number four. However, some Chinese people will still avoid the number three at all costs.

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The Number Six: The Unlucky Number of Conflict

The number six is considered unlucky in Chinese culture because it sounds similar to the word for conflict in Chinese. Therefore, the number six is associated with conflicts and arguments.

The superstition surrounding the number six is not as strong as the superstition surrounding the number four. However, some Chinese people will still avoid the number six at all costs.

Countering the Bad Luck of Unlucky Numbers

FAQs about unlucky numbers for Chinese

What are some unlucky numbers in Chinese culture?

In Chinese culture, the number 4 is considered unlucky as it sounds similar to the word for “death.” Similarly, the number 13 is also regarded as unlucky as it is associated with misfortune and bad luck in many cultures around the world. The number 9 is also believed to be unlucky as it sounds like the word for “long-lasting” or “eternal” in Mandarin, which can bring the fear of a long and unpleasant life.

How do superstitions about unlucky numbers impact daily life in China?

Superstitions about unlucky numbers can greatly impact daily life in China. For example, many buildings and residential communities often skip the number 4 and 13 in their floor or apartment numbering. Similarly, people also avoid scheduling important events or making big decisions on days with these unlucky numbers, such as weddings or business meetings.

Are there any lucky numbers in Chinese culture?

Yes, there are several lucky numbers in Chinese culture. The number 8 is considered lucky as it sounds like the word for “prosperity” or “wealth” in Mandarin. The number 9 is also regarded as lucky due to its association with good fortune and long-lasting happiness. The number 6 is also considered lucky as it sounds like the word for “smooth” or “easy” in Mandarin.

Do these superstitions about unlucky numbers extend outside of China?

Yes, these superstitions about unlucky numbers extend outside of China and are present in many other cultures around the world. For example, the number 13 is often considered unlucky in American and European cultures as well. Additionally, many buildings and companies in other countries also avoid using the number 4 in their numbering system due to its association with death and bad luck.

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