The Different Meanings Of Number Symbolism Around The World

Posted: October 19, 2023

Updated: October 19, 2023

The world is filled with superstitous people, be it a belief in a religous diety or any other irrational idea that some supernatural being can help them. With so much money at stake, every time someone gambles, there's a good chance they are utilising some form of imaginary system in order to increase their chances of winning. This often takes the form of number symbolism.

Gamblers are notorious for their superstitions, often attributing their fortunes to specific numbers and combinations. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in online casino games like those found at the excellent Everygame Casino. Here many players find comfort in their personal lucky and unlucky numbers. Imagine a world where everyone relied on the same set of numbers – how dull the stakes would become. In addition to carrying lucky charms like rabbit’s feet, horseshoes, or Chinese talismans such as money toads and dragons, some casino players frequently invoke types of number symbolism due to their religious, linguistic, cultural, or personal significance.

The Importance Of Number Symbolism

At Gamingzion.com, we take a closer look at what makes these numbers significant. However, it’s often for vastly different reasons, as much depends on your location in the world.

Number 13: The Universally Feared Number

Although number 13 holds Christian connotations, this number symbolism is renowned as the most universally unlucky number and is commonly shunned. Airlines avoid having a row 13, restaurants steer clear of table 13, and some hotels skip from 12 to 14 to avoid placing guests in what is deemed an unlucky room. This aversion to 13 stems from its association with Judas, the 13th disciple who betrayed Jesus during the Last Supper. As a result, number 13 is among the least favoured choices in any form of casino gambling.

Number 3

In many countries, number 3 is considered lucky, often associated with the “three wishes” found in fairy tales. However, in Mandarin, the word itself sounds like “apart,” leading many Chinese individuals to view it less favourably. It’s interesting to note that similar events are believed to occur in threes. So when two favourable occurrences unfold, it’s wise to keep an eye out for the third while crossing your fingers for a winning streak.

Number 4

If you’ve ever spent your childhood searching for a rare four-leaf clover, hoping it would bring you boundless luck, you might be surprised to learn that this number holds a different number symbolism in Chinese culture.

number symbolism — Picture Source: Pxhere

In Mandarin, according to online gambling news in the US, it rhymes with the word for “death,” making it a number to be diligently avoided.

Number 7

For slot enthusiasts, the number 7 is synonymous with good luck. Achieving three 7s in a row spells jackpot time in the world of slots. The prevalence of this number symbolism as a lucky charm is evident when considering the seven wonders of the ancient world, seven seas, seven days in a week, and the seven colours within the natural light spectrum (as seen in a rainbow). This makes 7 a beloved number among gamers. However, its connotation shifts in regions like China, Thailand, and Vietnam, where the seventh month is associated with ghosts, rendering it inauspicious and something to be avoided at all cost.

Number 8

In China, the number 8 is closely tied to wealth and prosperity, making it a favoured choice among gamblers. In the Western world, the popularity of the Magic 8 Ball fills this number with mystical predictive powers. Ask the ball a “yes” or “no” question and await its response. Of course, whether you choose to believe it is entirely up to you. On the other hand, for casino players following the Hindu religion, number 8 is linked with the planet Saturn. This number symbolism is associated with misfortune and hardship, making it less popular among this group.

Number 9

Few numbers could have such contrasting interpretations in different cultures. In Japanese, the pronunciation of the number 9 resembles the words for “torture” and “suffering,” which might feel fitting if you’ve wagered on this number and faced a loss. For the Chinese, however, 9 symbolises longevity, offering more opportunities for luck. In Norwegian mythology, number 9 holds a sacred status. So if you spot a tall, blond individual placing their bet on this number in an online live dealer casino game, they might just be Norwegian.

Number 17

The number 17 is of relatively neutral significance in number symbolism in most cultures, except for Italy. In an interesting twist, the anagram of the Roman numerals comprising this number spells “vixi,” meaning “I have lived” in Latin. In essence, it signifies the end of the game. If you’re playing live dealer blackjack at the casino and your cards add up to 17, the choice to stay or try your luck for a 4 is yours to make!

Number 666

For those well-versed in biblical references, the triple repetition of the number 666 carries sinister undertones as the “Sign of the Beast,” often associated with Satan. Surprisingly, for the Chinese, it symbolises smooth sailing and everything going well. While it may be plain sailing for some, it might not hold the same number symbolism for others!

Number Symbolism – Odd vs. Even Numbers

In Russia, even numbers, celebrated for their balance and symmetry by some, hold an unusual reputation of being unlucky.

It’s considered inauspicious to include an even number of stems in a bouquet of flowers, unless you intend to wish ill upon the recipient. Conversely, odd numbers are deemed fortunate, adding an intriguing twist to the concept of “Russian Roulette.”

Other Types Of Number Symbolism

Beyond these widely recognized numbers, which carry differing levels of luck depending on cultural perspectives, people often create their own lucky numbers derived from birth dates, anniversaries, and other combinations of digits believed to possess special number symbolism and significance. Some ascribe luck to numbers due to their presence in nature (like the five senses or the five points of a starfish) or their association with mathematical concepts, such as 1.618, the renowned Golden Ratio, or 3.141, the value of Pi.

Entire websites are dedicated to generating these so-called lucky numbers, yet all gamblers must remember that outcomes in online casino betting, games, races, matches, and even online slots are determined by Random Number Generators (RNGs).

This means that lucky numbers themselves cannot predict any specific results; they are merely a method for people to choose numbers. The reasons behind why certain numbers are considered fortunate in one country but lack the same reputation in another remain elusive. Superstitions, upbringing, cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and language all contribute to how individuals perceive number symbolism and whether they believe they bring luck or not.

Get Lucky At Bovada Casino

Irrespective of any number symbolism, one of our favourite online casino sites in the US, Everygame Casino, offers a wide array of games for your enjoyment. Whether you’re feeling lucky and believe the stars are aligned in your favour, you can register to play a full range of online casino games, including poker, blackjack, roulette, and online slots. Bovada also features regular online poker tournaments and numerous sports betting options for sports enthusiasts.