In China (and to most Chinese, especially the older generations), there are a few lucky numbers (3, 8 & 9) and one unlucky number (4). These are all based on the high similarity in their pronounciations to the local words of the same meaning:
- “8″ represents prosperity and wealth. Beijing Summer Olypmics started on 8/8/08 at 8pm. Do I need to say more?!
- ”9″ represents “longevity” or “eternity”.
- “3″ represents “create” or “alive”.
The legend says Japan was created by the 3000 Chinese migrated there under the imperial order thousands of years ago to search for death-defying herbs for the Emperor Chun’s longevity. Yet, the Japanese word for “9″ is a homophone for the word of suffering. So it is an unlucky number for them.
“4″ sounds much like death both to Chinese & Japanese.
The plot thickens when it comes to the number “5″, which sounds like “I” in Mandarin but sounds like a “not” in spoken Cantonese. So imagine you have the house number 58! What contradictory meanings!
“2″ sounds like the word “easy” in Cantonese whereas in Mandarin, it is the number ”1″ sounds like “easy”. “1″ sounds like “true”, ”certain” or “solid” in Cantonese when it is in the numerical “tens” position e.g. 14. So with the house number “24″ or “14″, it means … you”ve got it!
Have I confused or amused you 
) ?
John Ho
Numerology Expert Birthday Numeroscope
Numerology Expert Helps Understanding Personality for Better Inlfuence & Persuasion
© Copyright 2009 John Ho. All Right Reserved Worldwide
Interesting. I need to change my telephone number!
What about 0 (zero)?
Isn’t 7 also supposed to be lucky?
martin-wright.com
From Change Management to Spontaneous Change
That’s really cool I am definitely amused!
Jose Escalante
http://www.JoseEscalanate.com
I’m a little confused and amused. Learning other cultures ways is interesting. Many of us have no idea how others some place else in the world live/believe.
Vicki http://www.bridalthreads.com
Yes, I admit, confused, but that’s not hard to do! Interesting stuff John. Oh no – Lisa – 4 letters
Lisa McLellan
Babysitting Services – Babysitters and Nannies
John, you’ve amused AND confused me just a little. Entertaining post though.
Health, Fitness for Working People — Darryl Pace
There are a lot of different things between the different cultures in this world.
James
BusinessAndMarketingMakeover.com/blog
This stuff is fascinating, how the same numbers mean something else to different cultures.
Steve Chambers
Business to Business Sales Training Expert
My mother was into the meaning of numbers in a big way. For all of my life I have avoided living in a number “4″ house until the beginning of this year. We now live in house “40″ due only to there being a housing shortage where I live.
For someone who has grown up around the representation of 4 as death this is more challenging than it first sounds. I reframed it as “transformation” as you would if you read tarot cards.
Keri Eagan
Anything Alternative
You are ful of fascinating information.
Seize the Day,
Rob
Emergency Preparedness For the 21st Century Family
This is very interesting. I knew about the numbers but did not know how the numbers got their reputation until this article.
It fits in the context of what I do know of the Oriental attribution of significance to seemingly small details of life. For example there is a certain energy surrounding the way a person handles a knife. Chinese friend of mine, who grew up in Indonesia cautioned me not to handle a knife in such a way that the tip points to another person. It’s seen as bad energy, or even hostel energy towards the person on the receiving end.
Martin W:
Q: What about 0 (zero)? Isn’t 7 also supposed to be lucky?
A: “0″ represent success. “7″ is a lucky number to most Westerners. “7″, in numerology, represents spirtuality, research, introspection, privacy ….
Lisa:
Q: Lisa – 4 letters
A: Significance of one’s name is NOT the quantity of the letters but its numerical value.
As a refresher for you, Lisa, read this:
Pure Numerology …… What’s in a Name?
Keri:
“4″ is actually not bad even though the Chinese belief that it relates to death.
“4″ represents foundation e.g. four corners and it stands for the physical aspect of this world.
Martin O’Connor:
Holding a knife with its tip pointing towards ANYONE is hostile and dangerous since the energy is focused at its tip. That holding position looks like the holder is having a go at the person being pointed at.
John Ho
Numerology Expert Birthday Numeroscope
Jon,
You always hold my attention.
Lynn Lane
http://www.Warriorofsuccess.com
Hi John,
Would you please tell me more about the #8? Is there anything about what it sounds like and the languaging?
I had heard that the image which looks like an invert infinity symbol is part of why it is considered for wealth and prosperity. That it is every flowing.
Happy Dating and Relationships,
April Braswell
Single Baby Boomer Dating Success Expert
As usual, very interesting and very entertaining.
Anthony
http://www.anthonylemme.com
[...] It was way after midnight by the time I got to blog, I was tired and wanted my bed, but I had work to do, and I’d remembered reading recently that success takes hard work and was also inspired by a great football motivational speech. After blogging and commenting, I completed a quick Bugging In Survey, checked my progressive actions for the day, and headed for bed. No online dating for me tonight! At least tomorrow, the 22nd, would be an easy easy day. [...]
Hi John,
I was paging through FREE WP themes.
saw http://wordpress.org/extend/themes/simple-china
thought it might make for an interesting experiment for your blog…
Happy Dating and Relationships,
April Braswell
Single Baby Boomer Dating Success Expert
Hi April,
Thanks for the “Simple China” theme!
Since the Pure Numerology that I’m using is not quite originated from China, it would not suit me.
Mind you, there’re Chinese versions of Numerology. e.g. I-Ching (Book of Change) with its symbolic block image representations.
As to the number “8″, based on the high similarity in its pronounciation to the Chinese local words of the same meaning, represents prosperity & wealth.
John Ho
Numerology Expert Birthday Numeroscope
I was born on 8/8/80.
I should be loaded!
JJ,
Forgive me of not remembering your birthday!
I sometimes forget mine too
)
John Ho
Numerology Expert Birthday Numeroscope
I came back to read this post again at your request from the other post. Now my inquiring mind knows more.
I like hearing that ”9″ represents “longevity” or “eternity”. I was born on the ninth. Funny thing is I always told people I’d live a long life. We will see.
Vicki http://www.bridal-threads.com