Chinese Lucky Numbers And Unlucky Numbers jiǔ Feng Shui Feng shui was first described in the Book of Changes, a book of divination dating back more than 2,500 years, which had profound influence on Chinese thought. The ancient Chinese who wrote this book combined numbers and symbols to explain how things change. The result was the emergence of the famous Eight Diagrams. In the Eight Diagrams, numbers from 1 to 9 are given different meanings. In The Book of Changes, things are comprised of two forces: yin and yang. These forces can also be found in the vibration patterns of numbers. Odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are yang while even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) are yin. When a yin number is combined with a yang number, it forms a balanced number pair. Read more about Chinese Feng Shui . Lucky Numbers: 2, 6, 8, 9 2 Uses in China 2, pronounced ’er’, is considered lucky because 'all good things come in pairs'. In the theory of feng shui, 2 is important.

The theory posits that the TWO features yin and yang are complementary forces of all things in the world. Among young people in China, the number two has become a popular adjective to describe frank, innocent, reckless personality. They believe ‘er’ reflects a positive attitude towards life. In a traditional Chinese wedding, the new couple’s house and the restaurant will be decorated with 囍 paper-cuts, symbolizing double-luck. ‘Er bai wu’ is Chinese for ‘two hundred and fifty’. On most occasions, it is not used to praise, but to refer to someone as stupid. This is unrelated, however, to the general luckiness of the number 2. 6 Uses in China 6 is pronounced ‘liu’ in Mandarin Chinese, and this sounds like the Mandarin Chinese word meaning ‘flowing, smooth, or frictionless’. Therefore the number 6 is considered lucky, especially where it occurs in multiples. In feng shui, the number 6 represents authority and power.

So highly is the number 6 prized that a motorcycle dealer in Zengcheng of Guangdong Province paid the net sum of RMB 272,000 (USD $34,000) for the motorcycle license plate AW6666. Young Chinese netizens widely use ‘666’ to express admiration for people or things. 8 Uses in China 8 is considered extremely lucky, because as mentioned above, in Mandarin Chinese, the pronunciation of ‘eight’ is close to that of the phrase meaning ‘to make a fortune’. The number 8 is also uniquely symmetric, and when laid on its side, resembles the Greek symbol for infinity. In Chengdu the telephone number 8888-8888 was sold for a sum corresponding to USD $270,723. The Chinese government complied with euphoria over the number 8 in the year of the Olympic Games, 2008: the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Beijing began on the eighth of August (08/08/08), at precisely 8 minutes and 8 seconds past 8 PM, local Beijing time! Bagua (八卦) literally means Eight Symbols.

People now use it to refer personal information. It can also describe someone who likes gossip. 9 Uses in China 9 is considered especially propitious. This is partly due to the fact that the pronunciation of ‘nine’ is close to that of the word ‘long-lasting’. In feng shui, 9 is highest on the number scale and represents the ‘ultimate masculinity’. It used to symbolize the supreme sovereignty of the emperor. So 9 or some multiple of 9 were often used in imperial architectural designs (e.g. the 9,999 rooms supposed to exist in the Forbidden City). Unlucky Numbers: 4, 7 4 in China (and in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam) is considered terribly unlucky, because it sounds like the word for ‘death’. It’s really a bad idea to assign the number 4 to anything. Generally, door numbers and car registration numbers do not contain any 4s, especially not in the last digit-place. Although the number 4 is replete with ominous overtones, it still crops up in various contexts in China. For example: Four popular plants in painting: plum blossoms, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum.

Four classic novels of ancient China: A Dream of Red Mansions, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Water Margin, Journey to the West. Mah-jong, one of the most popular Chinese games, needs four players. Four Famous Buddhist Mountains: Mt. Wutai in Shanxi, Mt. Putuo in Zhejiang, Mt. Emei in Sichuan, Mt. Jiuhua in Anhui. 7 is a yang number and its pronunciation in Chinese is close to the pronunciation of the word meaning gone (去qu). Seven also relates to ceremonies that release dead souls from purgatory. In some parts of China, the 14th or 15th of the 7th month in the Chinese lunar calendar is the date for holding sacrificial ceremonies. Neutral Numbers: 1, 3, 5 1- is a yang number associated with wood and with the east. It is often associated with the meanings united, beginning, independent, complete and infinite. 3- is a yang number associated with water and with the north. In feng shui, 3 has a natural resonance in terms of beginning, middle and end; introduction, development and conclusion.

You can see this number widely used in Chinese culture: the Three Gorges, the Three Kingdoms in Chinese history, and the three halls of the Forbidden City in Beijing. 5- has been used to classify many things in Chinese, such as the five elements in astrology, the senses and the basic colors. It is a neutral number. In feng shui, the 5th level of life sometimes means the best. Five has been widely used in classifying things, for example: Five cereals: rice, wheat, soybeans, proso millet, foxtail millet. Five flavors：sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, salty. Idioms involving five（五）to describe colorful things: 五花八门 (wu hua ba men)，五颜六色 (wu yan liu se)，五彩缤纷 (wu cai bing feng) Other Interesting Facts about Chinese Numbers Odd and Even Numbers Odd numbers are generally less popular, because the Chinese consider that good things must be always repeated. The Chinese never choose the second day of the month to organize a funeral. If a sad event takes place on the second day of the month, it means that it will recur a second time.

Purchasing Lucky Numbers When a Chinese person buys a house, a car or a SIM card, she or he makes sure its number is auspicious, even if it means paying extra money; because an auspicious number is believed to bring good fortune and an inauspicious number bad luck. Popular Numerical Lingo on the Internet Numerical lingo on the internet is popular among young people. For example, ‘520’ sounds a bit like ‘Wo Ai Ni我爱你’, so is used as shorthand for ‘I love you’. The number 88 in Chinese sounds like ‘bye-bye’. So 88 is frequently used in instant chat to say ‘see you later’. Top Attractions with Numerical Interest The Forbidden City, Abode of Chinese Emperors According to legend, the Forbidden City in Beijing has 9,999 rooms (in reality, it has only 8,704, according to a study in 1973). The number 9,999 is understandable in the light of tradition that only the gods had the right to build a palace with 10,000 rooms. Human beings tried to get as near as possible to their ideal of perfection.

Learn more about this legend maker – the Forbidden City . The Temple of Heaven, a Place for Worshiping God You can find the number 9 everywhere in the construction of the temple: in the number of steps, balustrades, circles of paving stones, nails on doors and especially in the design of the Circular Mound Altar圜丘坛 (Yuánqiū Tán), where a single round marble plate is surrounded by a ring of nine plates, and then a ring of 18 plates. Read more about the Temple of Heaven. Chinese Dragon Chinese dragons are often associated with the number 9. For example, a Chinese dragon is generally described in terms of nine attributes and usually has 117 scales – 81 (9x9) males plus 36 (9x4) females. There are nine forms of the dragon and the dragon has nine children. There is a famous Nine-Dragon Screen in the Forbidden City. Seventeen-Arch Bridge – Sum of Nine and Eight Numerical sensitivity led to the design of an elegant bridge in Beijing’s Summer Palace, characterized by the gradual reduction in the size of the arches. A Chinese architect would never suggest a four-arch bridge.

You can find many numerically neat bridges in southern cities like Hangzhou, Suzhou and Guilin. Explore Further the Numerical Culture of China Superstitions involving numbers can easily be detected in ancient Chinese buildings, especially royal buildings, which used to represent the honor and orthodoxy of the empire. Almost every empire pursued immortality and security, whether the first (Qin) dynasty (246 BC–207 AD), beginning with Qin Shi Huang, or the last (Qing) dynasty (1644–1912 AD), ending with Puyi. The cities of Xi’an and Beijing , both rich in culture, witnessed the history of these two most important dynasties in China. The role of numbers in the Book of Changes has influenced the thoughts of Chinese people down through the centuries, right up until today. Even citizens from large metropolises, like Shanghai, avoid using numbers associated with bad luck. The Essence of China Tour , including sites like the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an and the Yuyuan Gardens in Shanghai, reveals to visitors the essence of the Chinese ideology of numbers.

Related Reading Lucky Numbers in China, Chinese Lucky Colors in Culture Chinese vs Western Astrology Red is a lucky color in China. Numbers and colors are important parts of Chinese culture. Numbers and colors endowed with lucky meanings are often used in Chinese people's daily lives, from the dates picked for special events to the colors used for buildings. Number 8 and Other "Lucky" Numbers In Chinese culture , certain numbers are considered "lucky" because their pronunciations sound similar to words that have "lucky" meanings. Lucky numbers are very important in Chinese culture. People select lucky numbers when choosing residences, telephone numbers, business addresses, wedding dates, festivals and other celebratory events. Number 8 indicates prosperity, Wealth, success or social status. Number 8 sounds similar to the word "Fa" in Cantonese. "Fa" can mean prosperity, wealth, success, or social status. One example of its use was the 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony held on August 8, 2008 (8/8/08), at 8:08 pm. Even numbers are preferred over odd numbers. Chinese believe in harmony and balance. Therefore, even numbers are preferred over odd numbers.

Number 2 represents harmony, and number 6 success. The pronunciation of number 9 sounds similar to the word for permanence. Lucky numbers in business. Lucky numbers are also extremely important in Hong Kong . In this industrial and commercial city, competition is fierce and merchants vie for success. Often, they will select "lucky" days to celebrate grand openings or sign contracts. If the day has an 8, it is believed to bring luck. If the day has a 9, the business will have permanence. If the day has a 6, the venture will be successful. Red, Yellow and Green are Considered Lucky Colors Red — Happiness, Success and Good Fortune Red is the Chinese national color and represents happiness, beauty, success and good fortune. It is widely used during festivals and important events like wedding. Red lanterns adorn businesses and residences. Double rows of red "Xi" (happiness) letters are pasted on gates and doors. People wore red during weddings, festivals and other celebratory events. Red envelopes stuffed with money are given as gifts during Chinese New Year . Yellow — Royalty and Power of the Throne Yellow symbolized royalty and power of the throne. The first Emperor of China was known as the Yellow Emperor.

China was often referred to as Yellow Earth, and its mother river is the Yellow River . The skin color of Chinese people is yellow. During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), yellow glazed tiles were used to build imperial palaces. During Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1911) Dynasties, emperors were dressed in yellow imperial robes. They rode in "Yellow Palace" carriages and traveled on "Yellow Paths". Official flags were yellow. Official seals were packaged in yellow fabric. Overlooking the Forbidden City from Beijing Jing Mountain, one can see a sea of yellow glazed tile roofs. Gilded copper urns and animals adorn many palaces. Green — Money Buildings, banks and restaurants are often painted in green and red. Know Your Lucky Chinese Zodiac Colors in 2017 As per Chinese astrology, everyone has a zodiac sign and associated lucky colors. The most suitable and luckiest colors might differ each year. Use these lucky colors in your daily life for good luck in 2017.

Chinese Zodiac Born in: ...1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020... Lucky colors: blue and green Oxes Born in: ...1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021... Lucky colors: yellow and green Tigers Born in: ...1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022...

Lucky colors: blue and gray Rabbits Born in: ...1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023... Lucky colors: red and pink Dragons Born in: ...1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024... Lucky colors: grayish white and silver Snakes Born in: ...1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025...

Lucky colors: yellow and black Horses Born in: ...1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026... Lucky colors: yellow and green 2017 is the year of the Rooster. Goats Born in: ...1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027... Lucky colors: red and purple Monkeys Born in: ... 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028...

Lucky colors: gold and blue Roosters Born in: ...1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029... Lucky colors: brown and yellow Dogs Born in: ...1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030... Lucky colors: green and purple Pigs Born in: ...1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031... Lucky colors: gray and brown It is believed that wearing lucky colors can bring luck and success.

You can use your lucky colors in your house or office decor, as well as your accessories such as jewelry, belts, scarfs, wallets, etc. Good luck and all the best to you in 2017. Read more about your Chinese zodiac animal signs on our Chinese Zodiac page . You Might Like Why 'lucky 7' really is the magic number | Daily Mail Online comments Lucky: Seven is seen as the world's favourite number - and it appears across many cultures and religions Stop any person in the street and ask them to choose an odd number between 1 and 10. More often not, they will say the number 7. For ‘lucky 7’ is the world’s favourite number. There are seven days of the week, seven colours of the rainbow, seven notes on a musical scale, seven seas and seven continents. Snow White ran off to live with seven dwarves, there were seven brides for seven brothers, Shakespeare described the seven ages of man, Sinbad the Sailor had seven voyages. And when Ian Fleming was looking for a code for James Bond, he didn’t go for 006 or 008. Only 007 had the right ring.

This week, a poll of 30,000 people confirmed that 7 is overwhelmingly our favourite number — with 3 in second place. A remarkable ten per cent of those surveyed gave 7 — from the infinite choice of numbers available — as their lucky number. But why do we prefer some numbers to others? What is so special about 7? And how can something as dry as a number generate such strong emotions? Our fascination with certain numbers goes back to the dawn of recorded history. For the Ancient Babylonians the most meaningful number was 60. They based their mathematics and calendar around it — and we, many centuries later, have inherited their system. That’s why an hour has 60 minutes, and a minute 60 seconds. In Ancient Egypt, 12 was considered special. In Egyptian mythology there were 12 realms of the dead. Indeed, 12 crops up throughout history — inches to a foot, pennies to a shilling, months of the year, the number of apostles. A day is split into two cycles of 12 hours. There are sensible reasons to venerate 60 and 12.

Both divide neatly into halves, quarter and thirds, making them ideal units of currency and measurement. But that doesn’t explain why humans are still so hung up on 7 — a prime number that cannot neatly be divided by anything other than itself and number 1. Ian Fleming chose 007 over other numbers and Walt Disney chose seven dwarfs for Snow White Mathematician Alex Bellos, who carried out the survey as part of research for his book on maths, Alex Through The Looking Glass, says an emotional attachment to numbers — and 7 in particularly — is surprisingly common. ‘When I give talks about maths and ask the audience if they have a favourite number, half stick up their hands,’ he says. ‘I suppose we are all a little bit obsessive compulsive. It’s comforting to have a favourite number.’ Favourite numbers are usually linked to birthdays, anniversaries or house numbers. But some people have the strangest reasons. When asked why she voted for 7 in the poll, one woman said: ‘It is a bit awkward; it can’t be equally divided and won’t bend to the rules so easily.’ RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share Bellos argues that some numbers are inherently more appealing than others.

Small numbers tend to be more popular than large ones, for example. We are most familiar with the numbers 1 to 10, and tend to pick our favourites from those. Most people see odd numbers as more exotic than even ones. ‘Our brains see numbers and want to try to split them in two,’ says Bellos. ‘They can’t do that with odd numbers so people feel their “personalities” are different and more appealing.’ Can numbers be funny? Author Joseph Heller spent some time deciding that 22 was funnier than 11 or 14 We also seem to be attracted to prime numbers. Again, the fact that we can’t divide them cleanly makes them more distinctive. So when looking for a favourite number, that makes 3, 5 and 7 the most likely candidates. But Bellos’s survey also revealed people don’t like numbers ending in 5. We are so used to rounding up numbers to the nearest multiple of 10 that numbers finishing in 5 seem oddly unsatisfactory. That knocks 5 out the running, and three — the second favourite — misses out on first place, possibly because it is just too mundane.

After all, we see groups of 3 everywhere we look: traffic lights with 3 colours, sets of knives, forks and spoons, 3 hands on a clock, 3 meals a day. So the less common 7, then, takes the crown. If you don’t believe our brains behave as predictably as this, try this mind-reading test on a family member or friend. Ask them to think of a two-digit number less than 50. Tell them both the digits must be odd and different. Say that they can’t have 11 but could have 13. When psychologists tried this in experiments, more than a third chose 37. The trick works because there are actually only eight numbers someone is allowed to choose from — 13, 15, 17, 19, 31, 35, 37 and 39. And by mentioning the number 13 in the preamble, you put them off that one. But time after time, despite having 7 combinations of numbers to choose from, the lure of 7 combined with the second favourite number 3 draws people to choose 37.

It’s a prime number and the most ‘exotic’. And what about the numbers we don’t like? In Alex Bellos’s poll, people could nominate any whole number they liked. The lowest number that had no nominations was 110. Hebrew tradition states seven is the number of intelligence, and there are seven Great Holy Days in the Jewish year. Elsewhere, the traditional Menorah, pictured, has seven branches Bellos is unsure why. However, his research has shown people aren’t as keen on numbers ending in 0 — perhaps because we are so used to seeing numbers rounded to the nearest 10 and so it loses its distinctiveness. If numbers can be attractive, can they also be funny? Are there people for whom 88 brings a wry smile, but who’d never laugh at 50? Joseph Heller, author of the war satire Catch-22 spent ages discussing numbers with his agent before deciding that 22 was funnier than 11 or 14.

Douglas Adams, the creator of A Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, said he chose 42 as the answer to the ‘ultimate question of life, the universe and everything’ because it was an ‘ordinary, smallish number’. He was right. The joke works because the answer — worked out by the most powerful computer in existence over seven-and-a-half-million years —is a crushing anti-climax. UNLUCKY 13: WHY IS IT FEARED? Fear of the number thirteen is called Triskaidekaphobia, a word coined in 1911, and superstitious sufferers associate the number with bad luck and misfortune. In Tarot cards, Death is the thirteenth card in a deck, while the end of the Mayan calendar's 13th Baktun, or cycle, was said to be the time of the apocalypse in 2012. In religion, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus Christ in the Bible, was the thirteenth member at the last supper. Friday the 13th is considered the unluckiest day of the month.

But in Italy, 13 is considered a lucky number, especially when gambling, whereas 17 is considered unlucky. Although it is not known why these numbers hold this significance in Italy, 17 is linked with bad luck because when written in Roman numerals XVII, it can be rearranged to spell the Roman word VIXI meaning ‘I have lived’ - found on ancient tombstones. Alex Bellos’s poll only asked people for their favourite number. But if it had asked for the number they hate, the answer would inevitably have been 13. The fear of 13 — or Triskaidekaphobia — is so widespread that one in ten people are thought to suffer from it. Many large hotels go straight from the 12th to the 14th floor. No one knows why 13 is thought to be unlucky, but there are many theories. One is that it represents Judas Iscariot, the 13th apostle, who betrayed Jesus at the Last Supper. Another is that it comes from Norse lore, where evil was introduced to the world by the mischievous god Loki at a party in Valhalla, the home of the gods.

According to the legend, he was the 13th guest to arrive. The grip of 13 is so great that the risk of having a road accident goes up on Friday the 13th. Not because the day is unlucky, but because superstitious drivers tended to be more anxious — and so more accident prone. Getting hung up about numbers can also reduce your odds of winning a fortune. People who pick ‘lucky’ numbers such as 3 and 7 are just as likely to win the lottery as people who pick numbers out of the hat. But if they hit the jackpot, they have to split the cash with more winners. That’s what happened on November 14, 1995, when 133 tickets shared the £16 million prize — each winner got just £120,000. The winning numbers were 7, 17, 23, 32, 38, 42 and 48 — all popular numbers with players. There are some occasions when 7 is not so lucky after all.

Chinese Unlucky Numbers | Unlucky Numbers Based on Chinese Numerology Vastu Shastra Chinese dwell in superstitions and beliefs and have a huge dependence on numbers in their day to day lives. Numerology plays a vital role in their lives. They lay great emphasis on the use of numbers which, according to their culture, may be considered lucky or unlucky. The birth date and the name of the person are taken into consideration to calculate the lucky number for an individual and are permanent for him unless the name is changed. In general, even numbers are considered lucky and odd numbers as unlucky though this is not the rule of the thumb e.g. 2, 6 and 8 are considered lucky but number 4 is considered unlucky; number 9, though an odd number is gloriously among the lucky numbers. Related Articles Kua Number 9 • Enhance your luck and get rid of bad luck by knowing auspicious, inauspicious directions A Chinese life style gives too much importance to these numbers, always being on the lookout for lucky numbers for their benefits and unlucky numbers to avoid any mishap in their lives. According to them, a number may not be absolutely lucky or unlucky but it gives them an indication as to their effect.

These numbers are also applied to I- Ching and to Feng shui for furniture and buildings. Chinese Unlucky Number 1 This number signifies loneliness and therefore is considered inauspicious. Chinese Unlucky Number 4 This number is a dreaded number in Chinese superstition and a very unlucky number. This is because it is almost homophonous with the Chinese word 'si' which means 'death'. Therefore, numbered items in China such as phone numbers, car license numbers and room numbers omit number 4 in them. Similarly numbered products from China omit number 4 in them e.g. Canon PowerShot G series has G5 after G3, Nokia mobile phones series do not have number 4 and high rise buildings and hotels omit number 4 in numbering their floors; therefore, a building declaring 50 floors may only have 35 floors. Related Articles Kua Number 3 auspicious directions & inauspicious directions Chinese Unlucky Number 5 This number is associated with 'not' which clearly indicates 'not possible' or 'not prosperous', that is anything negative and therefore it is considered unlucky. It can be combined with another unlucky to bring a lucky effect e.g.

if combined with 4 to make it 54, it would mean 'no/not death' but if used together with a lucky number such as in 528, it would mean 'no good fortune for me'. Chinese Unlucky Number 7 This number is thought to be ghostly and so unlucky. It means abandonment and anger, even death. The seventh month of the Chinese calendar is termed 'the Ghost Month'. This is according to their belief that in the seventh month the spirits and ghosts are released from hell to visit the earthly realm. Chinese do not consider this number to be absolutely unlucky since their Valentine's Day falls on July 7. Some even consider it as a neutral number. Related Articles Kua Number 4 auspicious, inauspicious directions Chinese Unlucky Number 13 Though it is considered to be a lucky number, some enumerate it among the unlucky numbers because 1+3 adds up to 4. Chinese Unlucky Number 14 Number 14 is considered to be the worst number among all the unlucky numbers. The '1' in the number 14 does not represent loneliness; instead it means 'guaranteed'. Therefore, the number would interpret 'guaranteed death'.

Though it is pronounced as 'shi si' it means to say 'ten die'; it is also called 'yi si' or 'yao si' which would mean to say 'want to die' In Cantonese, this number is called 'sap ser' which sounds like the words meaning 'certainly die' and in Chiu Chow, number 4 is pronounced differently to mean 'yes' or 'see'. For the different meanings emerging from different regions of China, the number 14 is considered neutral by a few. Related Links Chinese vs. Western Numerology | Numerology.com Chinese vs. Western Numerology Live Psychic Reading Double Your Number Knowledge Single digit numbers aren't the only ones that matter! Learn the meaning of every double-digit number here: Double-digit Number Meanings + You are here: Home » Numerology News » Chinese vs. Western Numerology Chinese vs. Western Numerology Email Numerology is no one-trick pony. While the Pythagorean method is the most popular system used by enthusiasts and experts in the west, Chinese Numerology is an entirely different and wildly popular system.

Rather than associating each number with its deep-rooted personality, as Pythagorean Numerology does, Chinese Numerology is based on the sounds the numbers make when said aloud. And if a number sounds similar to a word that is considered negative or unlucky, that number, too, is considered negative or unlucky. However, luck is a concept that does not play a role in Western Numerology. Instead, each number carries with it both positive and negative qualities, and it is up to each individual to manifest the best energy possible from each number. So take a look at each of the single-digit numbers one by one to see how they align across the globe -- and where they differ. 1 East: In Chinese, the word for "one" sounds like the word for "honor" in some Chinese dialects. This number represents independence, but this can also mean loneliness or isolation. The number 1 is the only number associated with the Water element, which symbolizes an ability to break through barriers on one's way to something better. West: In the west, the number 1 is a masculine number, the number of beginnings and creation. It is the warrior, a primal number that sets action and change into motion.

Positively, this number is associated with leadership, energy, courage and initiative, but negatively, the 1 can play out as impatient, impulsive and confrontational. The 1 is at its most positive when in the realm of work. 2 East: The word "two" sounds like Chinese words for "sure" and "easy." 2 is considered a lucky number (hence, the Chinese phrase "good things come in pairs"), representing symmetry and steadfastness. The number 2 is associated with the Earth element, which further represents stability and determination. West: The western 2 is a highly sensitive number with a gentle personality that supports the ideas of forgiveness and understanding. On the positive side, cooperation, care, diplomacy and friendliness are associated with the feminine 2, but the 2 can also be self-conscious, melodramatic and overly timid. 3 East: The word for "three" sounds similar to the Chinese words for "growth" or "birth," symbolizing life and abundance. It is thought of as a lucky number, and is associated with the Chinese element of Wood, which supports creativity and sunrise -- or, once again, "birth". West: The 3 is the creative child in Western Numerology.

It is a happy, enthusiastic and very social number. Positive traits of the 3 include imagination, expression and optimism, however the 3 can also be highly vain and egotistical, scattered and moody. Discipline is necessary to channel the positive traits of this number. 4 East: 4 is considered a highly unlucky number in Chinese Numerology, as the word "four" sounds like the word for "death," and therefore represents misfortune. The 4 is avoided at all costs in many parts of China. This number is associated with the Wood element, which, not surprisingly, also represents the concept of death and rebirth. West: In the west, the 4 is the number of solid foundations and hard work. It is a strong and stable number that leaves no room for frivolities. Positively, the 4 is dependable, practical and determined, yet the 4 can also play out in rigidity, frustration, anger and close-mindedness. And while luck is not a part of Western Numerology, let's not look past the fact that the number considered most "unlucky" in western superstitions is the 13 -- which reduces to 4.

Because of its association with the number 4, 13 is often considered unlucky in Chinese Numerology as well. 5 East: The five can be both positive and negative in Chinese Numerology. On one hand, it is associated with the five elements of nature, so it is linked to the positive idea of balance. However, in some Chinese dialects the word "five" sounds like the words "not" or "no," which has negative connotations. This, however, turns positive when combined with another negative word, such as "no death," which brings us right back to this idea of balance. The number 5 is associated with the Earth element, achieving stability through balance. West: The 5 is one of the most dynamic and energetic numbers in Western Numerology, and its personality is highly social. While the 5 is original, adaptable, adventurous and loves freedom and variety, it can also lack focus and become unreliable, or fall into the trap of overindulgence and addiction. 6 East: The Chinese word for "six" sounds like Chinese words for "wealth," "profitable" and "smooth," making it an auspicious word that is associated with ease and fortune.

The oft-dreaded western number 666 is actually considered very positive in Chinese culture, as it triples the luck associated with the 6. The number 6 is linked with the Metal element, which naturally represents money and conviction. West: The number 6 represents support and sacrifice in Western Numerology. It is the most harmonious of all the cardinal numbers. The 6 is the caretaker who aims to give as much as it receives. Positive influences of this number include compassion, romance and domesticity, but the 6 can also carry on negatively as a selfish and unstable personality with an emphasis on guilt. 7 East: 7 is a positive number in Chinese Numerology, as it sounds like the words used to convey togetherness and connectivity. 7 is associated with the Metal element, which supports the idea of abundance in friendships and relationships. West: The 7 is the seeker of truth in Western Numerology. It is a spiritual number that takes nothing at face value and is on a constant search for what lies beneath the obvious.

Though aware and contemplative, charming and insightful, the 7 can also tend to be possessive and withdrawn -- quite the opposite of the idea of togetherness this number carries in Chinese Numerology. 8 East: The 8 is the most prosperous of numbers in Chinese culture, as the word for "eight" sounds like the words for "prosper" and "wealth." It is considered a highly lucky number and is worked into daily life as much as possible in many areas of China (think addresses, wedding dates, phone numbers, cash gifts, etc.). The number 8 is associated with the Earth element, melding the ideas of stability, determination and goals with the realm of money and success. West: The 8 represents balance above all else in the west. Like Chinese Numerology, the 8 also represents success and prosperity in the west -- but not free of cost. One must give generously in order to receive the benefits of the 8. From a positive angle, the 8 represents efficiency, power, strength and respect, but negatively, the 8 can be greedy, aggressive and dishonest.

9 East: The number 9 is a positive number in Chinese Numerology, as it sounds like the pronunciation of the word "longlasting" and represents longevity. The number 9 was also traditionally associated with China's emperor. 9 is the only number associated with the Fire element, which stands for ideas of motivation and truth. West: In the west, the number 9 is the most worldly and sophisticated of all the cardinal numbers. The 9 is a broad and idealistic thinker, full of sympathy and compassion for all. On the positive side, the 9 is all these things plus artistic, sociable, humane and forgiving, yet the 9 can also be seen as aloof, arrogant and romantically detached. Lucky Number Seven, Number 7 in Chinese Culture Lucky Number 7 General Analysis People with the lucky number 7 usually like to explore the causes of the matters. However, when finding the truth, they are too afraid to accept it. Thus they often try to cover up their fear and weakness. In spite of this, they have an excellent analysis capability, which helps them succeed in any job. Besides, people with the lucky number 7 are doomed to be fortunate and get good opportunities which others try hard to seek.

So to some extent, their success ought to be attributed to their good luck. What a pity that they are sometimes lazy and idle because of their frequent and easy chances. Anyway, generally speaking, they are smart and knowledgeable, but a little suspicious of, and indifferent to, other people. Strong points: They are thought of having philosophical qualities – mysterious, quiet and skillful in analysis. Their clear awareness and prudent attitude give them a swift intuition. Confronted with some complicated problems, they can quickly calm down and find solutions. Additionally, they have a sensitive intuition and self-control introspection. Their strong sense of justice and sympathy help them make many friends. What’s more, they have a unique aesthetic sense. The purity of their temperament sets a good example for many people around. Weak points: These people often feel lonely so that sometimes they look depressed. They are likely to not care about others. They gradually become unmerciful and apathetic in the eyes of their friends. Their low spirits should actually be attributed to their personality, being shy, slow and introvert. They avoid consulting and discussing with others, so they tend to be self-assertive when solving problems.

The most intolerable characteristics of these people are that they are scheming, inconsiderate, and abandon their duties without consultation. Romantic Relationship Once meeting their dream lover, they will try their best to pursue and maintain the relationship. However, if there is something wrong with the relationship, they will hysterically seek its cause. Otherwise, they complain a lot. Thus those who have love affairs with people with the lucky number 7 should love truth as well, be ready to face reality and prepare enough explanations to their constant questions. No. 7 in Chinese Culture In the traditional Chinese culture, Seven represents the combination of Yin, Yang and Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth). This combination is considered as “harmony” in the ideology of Confucianism . While in Chinese Taoism , it stands for Tao which has a close connection with kindness and beauty. 7 was widely used in ancient Chinese culture, for example the Seven Treasures for Buddhist Scripture refer to gold, silver, colored glaze, coral, amber, seashell, and agate. Another example is the Double Seventh Festival when the Milky Way Lovers (the Cowherd and the Weaving Maid) can have their annual meeting only on July 7th.

As a Chinese legend goes, when the Jade Emperor in Heaven learnt that his beloved daughter, Weaving Maid, had married a poor cowherd and lived a happy life, he created the Milky Way to separate the lovers. After that, only on the seventh day of the seven month each year, the Cowherd and the Weaving Maid got a chance to meet on the Magpies Bridge which was formed over the Milky Way by a large number of magpies. Therefore, July 7th is regarded as the Chinese Valentine’s Day. "To create a poem within seven steps” is used to describe somebody’s quickness in wit and dexterity in literary creativity. The old saying dates back to a scholar and poet named Cao Zhi, son of Cao Cao , King of the Wei, during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). In order to avoid being killed by his brother, Cao Zhi created a poem within the time required for taking seven steps. "Seven Arrests and Seven Releases” means making an opponent give in by using some tricks. It is also based on a story that happened in the Three Kingdoms Period.

Zhuge Liang , an excellent strategist and military counselor in the Shu Kingdom, artfully arrested a southern tribe chief seven times and released him as often, to get the chief to eventually give in. Although Seven is generally considered a propitious number, it is at times disliked in China. The July 7th Incident of 1937 (also named Marco Polo Bridge Incident) always reminds Chinese people of the painful history of the eight-year’s Sino-Japanese War. 7 has the same pronunciation with 欺, Qi in Chinese, meaning cheating, lying to, or riding roughshod over someone. When choosing a telephone number or something like that, 7 is often left out of the list. The Seven Year Itch, the famous American movie, has long been a popular saying in China to describe the unsteady period of a marriage. It means that in the seventh year of a marriage, the couple faces serious problems in their relationship. Once a bit of negligence or unwise action is taken, their marriage may end up in the same year. Chinese Lucky Numbers and Superstitions! 8 Means Wealth! Chinese Lucky Numbers What are Some Lucky Chinese Numbers?

Almost every Chinese person is a budding numerologist, so you don't have to go far to find someone who will talk to you about Chinese lucky numbers. Many things determine whether or not a number is lucky or not, and often that will be simply what other word the number sounds like. 6 For example, the number 6 (liu) sounds like the word for flowing or smooth (especially with regards to money!), and hence is lucky. In multiples like 6666, it is especially lucky. Obviously this is quite different from the negative associations of 666 in the Christian world! 7 The number 7 is not just one of the most important Western lucky numbers, it is also one of the important Chinese lucky numbers too. It sounds like "arise" and the numeral itself symbolizes togetherness. Consequently, it is especially a good number with regard to relationships. 8 One of the Chinese lucky numbers that is most auspicious is 8, and this is partly because it sounds like the word for wealth. People will actually pay large sums of money to get phone numbers, car tags, or set or book flight numbers with multiple eights. Flight numbers throughout Asia often have multiple eights.

One of the most famous uses of the number eight was when the Beijing Summer Olympic Committee set the opening of the games on 08/08/08 at eight minutes and eight seconds after 8:00 pm! One of the reasons eight is thought to be so lucky is its symmetry. Double anything is particularly auspicious. 2 One of the best Chinese lucky numbers is 2, because it doubles all good things, yet another reason 8, and especially two 8's are thought lucky. Perhaps you've heard of "double happiness," the character in which the two symmetrical pieces mean joy. This symbol almost always appear at weddings and in American Chinese restaurants. 5 Not all numbers are lucky based just on their sounds. The number 5 reminds a Chinese person of the five element guardians, water, fire, earth, wood, and metal. These elements appear in many Taois teachings, especially in the Chinese zodiac, and in solutions for health. For this reason many architectural pieces, like Tiananmen Square, gateway to the Forbidden City, have five arches. 9 9 is another one of the Chinese lucky numbers.

First of all it sounds like "long lasting." It also brings to mind the Emperor of Chinese, whose robes depicted nine dragons. Dragons were supposed to have nine children, hence nine's association with harmony. Unlucky Chinese Numbers You can't leave out the unlucky numbers in Chinese though, the worst of which is probably 4. In most Chinese dialects it sounds like "death," with only the tone being different. Even in modern day high rises fourth floors are often missing, jumping from the third floor to the fifth. And many an unwitting foreigner has purchased or rented a place at a premium on the fourth floor of a building that does have one. Chinese lucky numbers can be found everywhere, and most Chinese people are very sensitive to the superstitions with these, in everything from plane tickets to phone numbers, to car tags. Read More About Chinese Culture... Understanding The Luck Of Numbers Understanding The Luck Of Numbers Find out what numbers work for you and stick with them! In this issue, LILLIAN TOO highlights the power of lucky numbers. This is the year of the Earth Ox when the Lo Shu number of the year is the awesome 9, a premier number that signifies the fullness of heaven and earth.

It is thus very appropriate for us to harness the magic of lucky numbers to help us make the best of the coming new year. The trials and tribulations of the preceding year has given way to the solidity of earth chi. It is therefore a good time to turn our attention to activating lucky numbers in our life. This is the ninth year of the first decade of the 21st century. That its Lo Shu number is also 9 reveals that the number 9 will play a very important role in bringing accumulated good fortune to those who activate it. It is extremely beneficial to capture its essence as much as possible. This means having multiples of nine in the way we place auspicious objects and wear lucky symbols. The Chinese have always been very mindful of the power of numbers expressed either as single integers, in doubles or as multiples. There is not a single one amongst us who has not, at some unconscious level, worried briefly about the numbers that ‘rule’ our life. Belief in numbers is always personal as one’s lucky number is always associated with something special to us.

Personal Lucky Numbers For individuals, lucky numbers are usually associated with our date of birth with all the single numbers added together until the whole date – day, month and year – is reduced to a single number. That number, according to many systems of numerology, signifies the number that reveals your attitudes, personality and character. Other systems use your name to calculate your ruling number. This is done by assigning numbers to the letters of the alphabet and then adding all the numbers until the numbers are reduced to a single digit number. This is then regarded as the number that most closely describes your attributes. Of more importance than attributes however is the luck factor. For this, Taoist Masters who are skilled in the practice of feng shui are more focused in their use of numbers. They will tell you it is in actual fact not all the numbers in your four pillars that determine your lucky number, but only your date of birth.

For instance, if you were born on the 12th June, your lucky number would be 12, so that if you live in a number 12 house, on the 12th street, have a telephone number with lots of 12s in it and work from the 12th level, then you will enjoy good fortune brought by the nearness of 12. In Taoist numerology, the 12 does not add up 1+2=3 … so it is the number itself you must focus on. Hence if you are born on the 11th of any month, then 11 is your lucky number (not 1+1=2). If you are born on the 27th of any month, the number 27 is lucky for you and so forth. The more times your lucky number appears in your everyday life, the stronger will be the positive influence. The Taoists believe that if indeed your date of birth is really your lucky number, then it can really bring you great success if you make the effort to ensure its constant presence in your life.

Lucky numbers have great value to the Chinese and in Hong Kong and China, not just tycoons pay tens of thousands of dollars to buy lucky number car license plates, driver’s license number, apartment floor levels, street addresses, bank numbers, and especially phone numbers. Everyone is in on the lucky numbers game! For them, lucky numbers are almost always those that are generally regarded as lucky for everyone, such as the number 8… THE NUMBER 8 The number 8 is very highly regarded as a particularly lucky number, especially since we are currently also living through the Flying Star Period of 8. This is one of the three white numbers that bring prosperity and abundance. The number 8 also belongs to the element of earth, so it brings excellent good feng shui foundation. If your birth date or KUA number is also 8, then this number holds special strength for you and you must work hard at having it always present in your life. Wear the 8 jewellery ring and go for the mystical knot, which is 8 done as the infinity sign, repeated three times. I do not have to remind everyone of the empowering benefits of the mystical knot.

In mandarin, the word eight 八 (pinyin = bā), sounds like prosper or wealth (发 = fā). which in turn is short for 发财 = fā cái which means get rich 恭喜发财 = gōngxi fācái = congratulations and get rich. This is the phrase many of us use as a standard way of greeting people during the Chinese New Year, and it conveys your wishes for them to become prosperous and get rich. The number 8 is therefore closely associated with wealth luck. Nothing emphasizes the great importance of the number 8 in the lives of the Chinese than the fact that when they mounted their spectacular Olympics show, they held the opening ceremony at exactly 8:08:08 pm on 8/8/08 this year. Did it turn out to be auspicious for China? You bet! For despite attempts to spoil their show, the Chinese did indeed emerge looking not only like they have become one of the most important nations of the world in terms of wealth of assets, but also in terms of modern technology, creativity and performance. They also managed to sweep a record number of gold medals, more than any other country and definitely more than they expected.

Was this due to the dominance of the number 8 on opening night? As for numbers that combine well with 8, note the following: 3 is a friend of 8 as these two numbers create the auspicious Ho Tu combination 2 creates the sum of ten with 8 and this is considered very lucky. 1 and 6 creates the magic of 168, a combination of three white numbers THE NUMBER 9 While the number 8 is the hot favourite, the number 9 is also mega lucky, and for those familiar with the more advanced nuances of numerology, the number 9 is considered even luckier than 8. Hence a car number 9999 is said to be even more auspicious than a car number 8888. In 2009, which ends with a 9 and with this year’s Lo Shu number being 9, without a doubt, those whose KUA numbers are 9, or whose name or date of birth generates the number 9, should activate the number 9 in their lives. To do so, just be mindful that 9 signifies South and is represented by the element of fire.

Hence make sure you place symbols of 9 in the South of your homes. This can be 9 birds, 9 phoenixes, 9 horses or 9 ripe peaches. What I mention here are the suggested enhancers. Having their presence in the sector of 9 and in multiples of 9, well what can be more abundant. And naturally, if you are born in the year of the Horse, then 9 is especially lucky for you. Note that the enemy of 9 is water, but the number of water 1 is excellent for 9 – this is because the combination of 9 with 1 brings the sum of ten combination which is lucky. The Ho Tu combination of 9 is when 4 combines with it, and this combination brings current and long lasting wealth. In mandarin, Nine 九 (pinyin = jiŭ) sounds exactly like 久 (jiǔ) - which means “a long time” or “long lasting”. And in the mathematics of 9, this is a number that never transforms or changes.

Any number of times the number 9 is multiplied, their sum always adds up to nine, thus 9X9=81 and 8=1 =9 and again 9X5= 45 and 4=5=9. Thus the number 9 is regarded as a steadfast, long-lasting number which unlocks a great deal of solid good fortune. THE NUMBER 6 This is generally regarded as the masterful number of heaven. In the current period, the number 6 does not have great strength, but it is auspicious nevertheless and is especially powerful when working for those in need of strong mentor luck or those who need patriarchal energy. The number 6 favours male gender leaders and if your KUA number is 6 or if your date of birth is the 6th of any month, you are sure to benefit from activating this number which is located in the NW and is strengthened by the presence of metal energy. In mandarin, Six 六 (pinyin = liù), sounds like the word 流 which means (liú) flowing/smooth, so when you activate this number, it means all the obstacles in your life get vanquished, as the energy of 6 smoothens your path to success.

Place 6 round crystal balls (or glass globes, or crystal apples) of any combination of colours in the NW of your most frequented room to energize the number 6 in the most powerful way. For jewellery, wear the sign of the Ru Yi made of gold or diamonds as this strongly empowers the patriarchal energy. It is particularly beneficial for those in leadership situations. LUCKY NUMBER COMBINATIONS THE DOUBLES: When two, three of four numbers combine, they evoke different luck meanings. So generally, double numbers strengthen the intrinsic luck of singular numbers. There is a Chinese saying which says that “good things come in pairs” (好事成双 = hăoshì chéng shuāng). Thus 88 or 99 are considered very lucky doubles, but double 1 which is the number eleven, also has auspicious connotations. The number 11 is regarded as a master number in numerology because it is the first number repeated twice. This is the number of balance and intuition. If your lucky number is 11, you will almost always find success depending on your intuition.

The number one represents the beginning of all things and is considered a primordial number, but the number 11 is one doubled, so it is luckier. Three 111s or four 1111s are even more special. These are the lucky numbers for people born on the 11th January or on the 1st or 11th of November. Any number doubled evokes the auspiciousness associated with the doubling of happiness – as symbolized by the double happiness character. This also brings to mind the natural unity of nature, showing love and duality, the bonding of male with female, the yin with the yang. THE TRINITY: In terms of the TRIPLES, this suggests the concept of trinity and here, the lucky combination of three different numbers is considered luckier than the same number appearing three times. In the Chinese concept of luck, the trinity of heaven, earth and mankind - tien, ti, ren - is always its central pillar.

Only when the trinity is present can there be plenty of good fortune and from this trinity springs forth others such as the mother, father and child, the trinity of astrological allies and the trinity of body, speech and mind. The combination of the numbers 1, 6 and 8 is thus regarded as the most auspicious combination of all, especially if your KUA number is any of these three numbers. When people with KUA numbers 1, 6 and 8 work or live together, and they activate the combination of these three numbers, the luck of prosperity and balance are sure to be evident. Good fortune reigns effortlessly and seamlessly. In mandarin, the numbers 168 means the “road of prosperity” or “to be prosperous together”. The Chinese consider this one of the luckiest set of numbers. It used to be incorporated into many business names and is today much favoured by anyone knowledgeable about the power of this combination. ORACLE MEANINGS OF NUMBERS Find out what encountering these numbers mean When you notice a particular number repeating frequently in your life, you are correct to think that that number holds some sort of significance for you.

So it is a good idea to be subconsciously aware of the numbers that keep popping up in your life. But what do these numbers mean? Typically, when you see the same number repeatedly, it means that it is a message about something that is currently an issue for you and it is usually some kind of message for you to pay attention to. Be alert to what happens each time you see the same number come up and you will soon get an idea if the number is meant to be some kind of warning sign or whether it is merely alerting you to some good news. To start you off on your awareness of numbers, here are some preliminary meanings of numbers that flash in and out of your life. Remember these are just numbers you notice such as seeing three cars with the same numbers, or visiting two houses with the same number or someone bringing you a gift associated with some number or other. Here are the meanings associated with some numbers, to assist you in understanding the relevance of numbers appearing in your life. indicates the start of something. It is the number of beginning typically representing your intentions. It is usually the number associated with urgency.

When you see the number one frequently, it can mean that you are about to begin a new project or adventure and you are destined to pursue it. Following your heart here will bring you many new opportunities and even much happiness. indicates a development involving another person and this is because two is the number of balance and relationship. It represents all things dualistic. It also represents a fork in your path requiring you to make a decision. When you see 2 appearing frequently it is telling you to get off the fence, make a choice. It is telling you to be brave, to not be afraid to commit, to be firm when trying to resolve a relationship issue in your life. suggests the trinity of time (past, present and future). Seeing 3 frequently means you need to look at your past as well as your current situation to chart your course for the future. It is reminding you not to make the same mistake, not to repeat something you did previously that may have caused you heartache or disappointment. is the number of the square. It suggests being fenced in and can signify being grounded into a certain situation. It can also suggest you feel imprisoned into your life situation and can indicate that you could subconsciously be trying to break free.

There are four directions, four seasons, four worlds (physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual). Four is telling you to create a firm foundation for your life, something which has lasting foundation. If you have recently moved home, it suggests that you plan on settling down more permanently. deals with movement, as this is a fluid number associated with activity and motion. Five signals travel or change, which can be good or bad. It suggests you may be at the center of a hurricane and even be the victim of someone else stirring things up in your life and in your relationships. If you keep seeing fives, it is a good idea to wear a strong and powerful protective amulet such as the five element pagoda pendant. Does repeating numbers hold some sort of significance for you? is the number of the Patriarch and the mentor. When you see six frequently, you could well be on the way to benefiting from someone’s patronage or you could be getting ready to start a family. Or you may need to focus on family matters or on corporate affairs more closely. It may also call on you to be more responsible for your current situation. Basically, 6 tells you to be a leader!

is generally regarded as a “lucky” number to encounter, and to many people, 7 is the number of wisdom. Seeing seven means suggests you should be using your intellect a lot more than you are, asking you to focus on your goals. Doing so will almost certainly ensure victory. is the number commonly associated with wealth and abundance. It is a cyclical number suggesting repetition of good things occurring again and again; so it is a good number to see on an everyday basis. If you encounter the number eight unexpectedly and you have recently worked on something promising, it suggests a favourable result. It is a very lucky number to encounter and its frequency in your life is definitely a very good sign! Thus it is such a great number to have for your car, as this ensures that you will encounter the 8 daily. beckons you to work long term, and it is the number of attainment, especially through hard work. Seeing nine encourages you to move forward in anything you do, as it suggests ultimate success. Nine is also the number that favours anyone engaged in charity, fund raising for a good cause or any kind of philanthropic work.

It is also a rather grandiose number and if you see 9 a lot, it suggests you could well have the karma and the talents to make a positive and meaningful difference to the world. Nine assures you of success, so it is a very encouraging number to encounter. This is one of those double numbers that mean something special. If you experience seeing the number 11:11 - for instance when you look at the clock, or when you open a book and the page number catches your eye or when on holiday and your room number corresponds to the double 1. Taoists believe that if you encounter the double 1 three times in a single weekend, it should be treated as a serious and unmistakable “wake-up” call telling you to make a significant shift in your life. It suggests that change is critical to your destiny, so this is quite a significant number to encounter. The following article is taken from the "Feng Shui World (January/February 2009)". To subscribe, please click here .

Question: What single number is considered to be lucky in China?
Answer: Eight