Chinese Numerology Understanding the Power of Numbers

Chinese numerology, deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of China and its sphere of influence, has roots that stretch back millennia. Its origins can be traced to the very foundations of Chinese civilization, intertwining with the development of Chinese writing, philosophy, and cosmology.

The earliest evidence of number symbolism in China dates back to the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BCE). Archaeological findings from this period reveal oracle bones used for divination, where numbers played a crucial role in interpreting heavenly messages. The Yijing (I Ching), or Book of Changes, compiled during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE), further solidified the importance of numbers in Chinese thought. This ancient text, which uses a binary system of broken and unbroken lines to create 64 hexagrams, became a cornerstone of Chinese philosophy and divination, influencing numerological beliefs for centuries to come.

During the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), numerology became more systematized as it integrated with emerging philosophical schools. The concept of Yin and Yang, along with the theory of Five Elements (Wu Xing), became closely associated with numbers. This period saw the development of complex numerological systems that attempted to explain the universe’s workings through numerical relationships.

The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) marked a golden age for Chinese culture, during which numerology flourished alongside astronomy, mathematics, and the arts. Scholars of this era refined numerological concepts, often linking them to musical theory and calendar calculations. The imperial examination system, which heavily emphasized classical texts, ensured that numerological concepts were widely disseminated among the educated elite.

As Buddhism gained prominence in China during the first millennium CE, it brought new numerical symbolism that blended with indigenous beliefs. For instance, the number 108, significant in Buddhist rosaries, became integrated into Chinese numerology, often associated with the trials and tribulations of human existence.

The Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) saw a revival of Confucian thought, which, while often skeptical of divination, nevertheless incorporated numerological concepts into its cosmological views. Neo-Confucian scholars attempted to reconcile traditional numerology with more rational philosophical frameworks, leading to new interpretations and applications of number symbolism.

Throughout the Ming (1368-1644 CE) and Qing (1644-1912 CE) dynasties, numerology remained an integral part of Chinese culture, influencing everything from architecture to literature. The practice of Feng Shui, which incorporates numerological principles, gained prominence during this time, affecting urban planning and building design.

In the modern era, particularly following the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, traditional practices including numerology faced scrutiny and suppression during periods such as the Cultural Revolution. However, the deep-rooted nature of these beliefs ensured their survival, often practiced privately or reinterpreted in less mystical terms.

The late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen a resurgence of interest in traditional Chinese culture, including numerology. In an increasingly global and technological world, these ancient beliefs have found new expressions. Mobile phone numbers, license plates, and even social media usernames are chosen based on numerological principles. Business practices, especially in Chinese-speaking regions, continue to be influenced by these age-old associations between numbers and fortune.

Chinese Numerology An Exploration of Numbers and Their Significance

In Chinese culture, numbers are not merely mathematical symbols but carry profound meanings and are often associated with good or bad fortune. This belief system, rooted in the sounds and visual representations of numbers, extends beyond China to other regions influenced by Han characters.

Zero

The number 0 (零, pinyin: líng) stands at the inception of all things. It is generally seen as a positive number, partly because it phonetically resembles 良 (pinyin: liáng), meaning ‘good.’

One

The number 1 (一, pinyin: yī; Cantonese Yale: yāt) holds a neutral ground, neither lucky nor unlucky. It signifies singularity and can denote either victory or isolation. For instance, November 11, marked by four 1s, is celebrated as Singles’ Day in China.

Two

In Chinese culture, the number 2 (二, pinyin: èr or 兩, pinyin: liǎng when used with units) is predominantly favorable. In Cantonese, 2 (二 or 兩, Cantonese Yale: yih or léuhng) sounds like the words for “easy” (易, Cantonese Yale: yih) and “bright” (亮, Cantonese Yale: leuhng). Hence, the saying “good things come in pairs” is popular. It’s also common to see characters repeated in brand names for emphasis on joy and prosperity.

Three

The number 3 (三, pinyin: sān; Cantonese Yale: sāam) is a bit of a double-edged sword. It phonetically aligns with 生 (pinyin: shēng; Cantonese Yale: sāang), meaning “to live” or “life,” making it positive. However, it also sounds like 散 (pinyin: sàn; Cantonese Yale: saan), meaning “to split” or “to part ways,” which can be perceived negatively.

Four

The number 4 (四, pinyin: sì; Cantonese Yale: sei) is often avoided due to its pronunciation, which closely resembles the word for “death” (死, pinyin: sǐ; Cantonese Yale: séi). This has led to the omission of the number 4 in many buildings, similar to the Western aversion to the number 13. However, in some contexts, 4 can symbolize prosperity and happiness, as in the musical scale where it sounds like 发 (fortune).

Five

The number 5 (五, pinyin: wǔ; Cantonese Yale: ńg) sounds like “me” (吾, pinyin: wú; lit. ‘me’) in Mandarin and is deemed lucky. It’s also linked to the five elements in Chinese philosophy (Water, Fire, Earth, Wood, and Metal), historically associated with the Emperor.

Six

The number 6 (六, pinyin: liù) is considered auspicious because it sounds like “slick” or “smooth” (溜, pinyin: liū) in Mandarin. In Cantonese, 6 (Cantonese Yale: lok6) can sound like “good fortune” or “happiness” (祿, 樂 Cantonese Yale: lok6).

Seven

The number 7 (七, pinyin: qī) has mixed connotations. It sounds like “even” (齊, pinyin: qí) and “arise” (起, pinyin: qǐ), making it favorable for relationships. However, it can also be unlucky as it relates to the “ghost month” of July and sounds like “to deceive” (欺, pinyin: qī).

Eight

The number 8 (八, pinyin: bā; Cantonese Yale: baat) is highly coveted because it sounds like “to prosper” (發, pinyin: fā; Cantonese Yale: faat). Its visual resemblance to the character 囍 (double joy) adds to its positive connotations. This number is so favored that many seek phone numbers, addresses, and even flight numbers featuring multiple eights.

Nine

Historically linked to the Emperor, the number 9 (九, pinyin: jiǔ; Cantonese Yale: gáu) symbolizes longevity and is frequently used in weddings. It also sounds like “long lasting” (久, pinyin: jiǔ).

Combinations

Certain combinations of numbers also hold special meanings. For instance:

• 48: Sounds like “wealthy for X lifetimes” (e.g., 748 sounds like “wealthy for 7 lifetimes”).
• 168: Sounds like “fortune all the way” (一路发, pinyin: yī lù fā).
• 520: Similar to “I love you” (我愛你, pinyin: wǒ ài nǐ).

Chinese numerology is a fascinating blend of phonetics, symbolism, and cultural beliefs that influence everyday life, from phone numbers to architectural decisions.

Today, Chinese numerology stands as a testament to the enduring power of cultural beliefs. It has evolved from ancient divination practices to a complex system that influences modern decision-making and cultural expressions. While its interpretations may have shifted over time, the fundamental idea that numbers carry deeper meanings beyond their mathematical value remains a central tenet of Chinese numerology, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary life.