Numbers have long been important in Chinese culture. In China, lucky numbers are usually associated with good fortune. As a result, some Chinese consider fortunate number combinations in their daily lives, such as when they buy houses, choose phone numbers, a wedding date, or an identification number for their vehicle. Some think that these lucky numbers will bring them good fortune.
1. The Number Eight
Even numbers are considered to be more auspicious than odd numbers in China. As a result, presents are presented in even quantities on all occasions. In Chinese culture, the number eight has long been considered the luckiest. No. 8 sounds close to the word ‘Fa,’ which means to create a fortune, when said in Chinese. It has implications for prosperity, success, and high social position, hence it is particularly popular among businessmen.
In some parts of China, consumers are willing to pay significantly more for a phone number beginning with the number 8. They also like apartments on the eighth story of structures. A vehicle identification number containing the number 8 was once auctioned off for $5 million Hong Kong dollars in the 1990s. In 2008, the Chinese government complied with the frenzy over the number 8, and 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!
2. The Number Nine
The number 9 is also said to be highly auspicious. This is due to the fact that the pronunciation of “nine” in Chinese is similar to that of the term “long-lasting.” As a result, Chinese couples would be delighted to receive wedding presents featuring the number 9, such as a bouquet of 99 roses, which has the fortunate meaning of “enjoy a long and happy life together.”
In feng shui, the number 9 is the highest on the scale and denotes “absolute masculinity.” It is used to represent the emperor’s absolute sovereignty. As a result, 9 or a multiple of 9 were frequently employed in imperial dwelling designs, such as the Forbidden City’s 9,999 rooms.
3. The Number Six
In Mandarin Chinese, 6 is pronounced “liu,” which sounds like the Mandarin Chinese phrase for “fluid, smooth, or frictionless.” As a result, the number 6 bears the connotation “all will go well” and is regarded as lucky, especially in multiples. The number 6 denotes authority and power in feng shui. In China, a license plate with the number 66666 might be worth millions of dollars. Young Chinese netizens frequently utilize the number “666” to convey their adoration for persons or things.
4. The Number Two
The number two, pronounced “er,” is regarded as fortunate because “all good things come in pairs.” The number 2 is often used to indicate the open, naïve, and impulsive nature of Chinese youth. They feel “2” represents a cheerful outlook on life. In a traditional Chinese wedding, the new couple’s home and restaurant are decorated with 2 paper cuts to represent double luck.
Chinese numerology may appear to be an arcane field but this distinct collection of ideas plays an important part in current Chinese culture. Understanding the numerous superstitions and taboos around numbers is necessary in order to participate in some of today’s most popular Chinese cultural traditions.
