Symbolism of numbers is an interesting topic. Numbers surround us everywhere, and numerologists have long been deciphering them and explaining what they can mean. They regularly find out some interesting facts and entertaining information. However, you can tell about all this in order.
Zero and one
Observing the traditional order, it is worth starting with these numbers. Zero is the absence of anything, emptiness, nothing. But not in Jewish Kabbalah (esoteric and religious-mystical course of the XII century). If you believe him, then zero is the personification of everything that has no boundaries and is not subject to control. It is worth taking a closer look at the figure of the figure: it has no beginning or end. And its elliptical elongation can symbolize a fall and rise.
But in Egyptian culture, the symbol of zero represented the ubiquitous deity. The Incas considered it that symbolized earthly rulers and gods. For Pythagoras, who was not only a mathematician, but also a mystic and the creator of a religious and philosophical school, zero was a perfect form. In Buddhism, this figure is considered to be a reflection of emptiness and immateriality. In Islam, zero symbolizes the Essence of the Divine, and in Taoism - nothingness and emptiness.
The symbolism of the number 1 is of particular interest. In almost all cultures, it symbolizes the beginning, primary unity, something central and inseparable. The Pythagoreans believed that the unit is the primary point of each calculation. Adherents of Confucianism consider figure 1 to be the mystical center from which our world originated. It is also believed that this figure is relevant to all people who were born on 30, 27, 24, 21, 18, 15, 12, 9, 6, 3, and 1 number. Those whose birth date in total forms a unit are characterized by numerologists as leaders by nature. For example, 10/03/1995: 0 + 3 + 1 + 0 + 1 + 9 + 9 + 5 = 28 = 2 + 8 = 10 = 1+ 0 = 1. And if you pay attention to how the symbolism of numbers in the Holy Fathers is explained exegesis, you can find that even there 1 symbolizes the Creator and the beginning of everything that is on Earth.
Two
In a general sense, this number symbolizes duality. Like in Buddhism, by the way. But there are other options. Chinese philosophy says that 2 is yin, the feminine. But the symbolism of numbers in the patristic exegesis interprets this figure differently - as the double nature of Jesus, who was not only God, but also a man with a capital letter.
Jewish philosophy says that deuce personifies life force. In the notorious Kabbalah, the number 2 is designated as the personification of self-awareness and wisdom.
The symbolism of number 2 is very interestingly displayed in literature, to be more precise, in the work of Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky. And every person who reads his works will understand what is being discussed. At the core of many of his work was the idea of ​​duality. Take, for example, the story "Double". The topic is already embedded in the title itself. Although references to the phenomenon of duality can be traced back to "Poor people." However, there he is depicted in the image of one character (Makar Devushkin), in his external and spiritual state. And in the story of 1846, this phenomenon is shown physically. There appears a real double of the protagonist. However, this topic is reflected in Notes from the Underground, Idiot, The Brothers Karamazov, and in the socio-psychological novel Crime and Punishment. The symbolism of numbers can be traced in many other stories. For example, in “Hero of Our Time” by M. Yu. Lermontov, in “Alice through the Looking Glass” by Lewis Carroll and in other literary works of various eras.
Three
The symbolism of number 3 also deserves special attention. Because this figure embodies the idea of ​​trinity, which is the basis of many religious and philosophical teachings. With the number 3, even the three-dimensionality of our space is associated, that is, height, length and width. And the three-phase state of matter is hardness, liquid, steam. This also includes birth, life and death; beginning, middle and end; as well as the past, present and future. It is also believed that 3 is the personification of good luck.
And again, it’s worth turning to such an interesting topic as the symbolism of numbers in the literature. Because the triple occupies a certain place in it. In The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish, the old man was asked exactly 3 wishes. In the "Humpbacked Horse" the peasant had 3 sons. And the “Tale of Tsar Saltan”? After all, it was in her that three girls under the window were spun late in the evening.
What about winged expressions? “To lie from three baskets”, “to cry in 3 streams”, “to bend to 3 doom” ... Everyone knows these phrases. And God, as they say, loves the trinity. Why has such attention been given to this figure? She was considered magical. But because it consisted of the sum of the two previous numbers - units and deuces. And in the magical rites, the troika played a role. Even now, many people out of habit 3 times “fukat” over their left shoulder, after which they make as many knocks on a wooden surface if they do not want an accident to happen.
In general, the generally accepted symbolism of numbers says: the triple is the first perfect strong number, since when it is divided, the central point of equilibrium is preserved. Therefore, it is considered to be favorable, complete, complete and harmonious. This conclusion was reached by representatives of almost all cultures and beliefs.
Four
Completeness, integrity, totality - this is a synonym for what this number is. And so it is considered with good reason, as in all other cases. The square, the most regular figure, has four sides. And all are equal. There are also four cardinal points. Like the seasons. In the traditions of all initiations and religions, there is a 4-fold division of the world. In Egypt, it was believed that the vault of heaven rests on pillars, of which there are only four. And in Pythagoreanism, this figure is considered to be the personification of perfection and harmonious proportions. And this can be seen even in chaos. There are in the form of “four horsemen of the Apocalypse” - a term that describes the characters (of course, how much) from the 6th chapter of the Revelation of John the Theologian.
In art and literature, the symbolism of the number 4 is also often found. The greatest Italian architect Andrea Palladio wrote a work entitled Four Books on Architecture. This is a serious set of knowledge and rules on classical architecture, which includes 4 books. In China, there is a literary tradition - to call the 4 most famous works of various eras "four classical novels." There are many other examples, but I would like to turn to painting. A 15th-century German graphic artist and painter, Albrecht Dürer, painted the Four Apostles. And Jerome Bosch, a Dutch painter of the same time, owns the creation of “7 deadly sins and 4 last things.”
And what about the people whose number is the protector of the four? They differ in an extremely peculiar character. In disputes, they most often take the side of the opposition. These people are real rebels capable of rebelling against the system. They have an unlimited mind and worldview, due to which they are able to achieve unprecedented heights. They can be described as practical, focused and determined individuals. True, they are also stubborn, which sometimes makes them seem unbearable.
Five
This number is considered the most important ordinal beginning. This is especially emphasized in the symbolism of the pentagram. In general, 5 is something human. This is believed in many cultures by linking a number with a hand, five fingers. This is also an important symbol of the universe in Celtic, Japanese, Chinese and other traditions. Love, sensuality, health, meditation, strength - all of the above is customary to personify the five. This is stated by the traditional symbolism of numbers.
The Pythagoreans believed that 5 is a sacred number, since it combines the three, representing the sky, and the two, meaning the earth.
By the way, the five-pointed star from ancient times to the present day is a military distinction. This is no accident. Indeed, in Akkadian mythology there was a goddess of war, strife, carnal love and fertility, known as Ishtar. Its symbol was a 5-pointed star.
But in Christianity, this figure represents a person after the fall. I recall the Pentateuch of Moses, 5 senses, 5 points of the formation of the cross, 5 wounds of Jesus Christ, as well as 5 fish, which were fed by 5,000 people.
The Chinese attach particular importance to this number. In their culture, everything truly important and basic exists in this quantity: elements, atmospheric substances, states, planets, sacred mountains, flowers, grains, tastes, poisons, amulets, main virtues, initiations, eternal ideals.
Interestingly, in our time there is the so-called fifth power. This name denotes an influential political force in society, which is inferior in importance to the executive, legislative, judicial, and even the press.
And even considering such a topic as the symbolism of numbers, it should be noted that 5 is a mirror homoglyph of the “two”. This also has its own magic.
Six and seven
The perfect number 6 in most cultures is considered the embodiment of harmony and balance. In numerology, this number is called the hexade, that symbolizes symmetry and the creation of something new. The Six is ​​a union of opposites that forms a single whole. Nothing wrong with her. Although many immediately remember the devilish “three sixes,” otherwise known as the “number of the beast.” There is an opinion that this is actually 616, not 666, - allegedly, during the rewriting of the Revelation of St. John, a typo was made. So for many, the “three sixes” are considered superstitions. Although even in this case, this figure has shown its “ideality”. After all, 666, according to superstition, is complete godlessness.
And what is the symbolism of the number 7? This figure is considered divine, magical, happy. And the most common common symbol for all religions. It is also this number that is most often used as the basis of classification. A lot of things in this world are grouped by 7. That is exactly the number of days in a week, and in shades of rainbow. It is customary to distinguish 7 cosmic eras, the same number of heavens and circles in hell. There are 7 wonders of the world, as well as human ages. And in all cultures, the seven means something good. In Islam 7 symbolizes supreme bliss. In Hinduism - happiness. In Buddhism - something higher, sacred. And the Pythagoreans believed that 7 is a cosmic number, which includes the four of the World and the three of Heaven.
And in culture it is not rare. Take, for example, proverbs and sayings. “Measure 7 times - cut 1 time”, “seven don't wait for one”, “for your beloved friend 7 miles are not a village”, “it’s better to burn 7 times than 1 widow” - these are just some of them. And in the literature, by the way, this figure is often found. For example, Turgenev said that "even in seven of my waters, our Russian essence cannot be taken out of us." And in the work “Stars of a Foreign Party,” written by Leo Quinn, it was said: “Beyond 7 oceans, where there are 7 ovens, 7 old women bake 77 pies.”
Eight
The symbolism of the number 8 deserves special attention. It is generally accepted that it symbolizes restoration, renewal, happiness, and the newfound paradise. In Christianity, it is the eighth day that gives rise to a new man - cleansed during weekly fasting. And after the Flood only 8 people were saved.
The Pythagoreans perceived this number as a symbol of stability and three-dimensionality. Buddhists believe that 8 is the personification of all possibilities, completeness and good omen. The same opinion holds in Chinese culture. There is even such a thing as "eight joys of human existence."
Naturally, this number, like many others, is also “involved” in culture. There are many sayings in which it is mentioned. “He was silent for seven years, cried out in the eighth” - again, there is a reference to the true meaning of this number. “Spring and fall - eight on a day of weather,” “seven, eight — let’s lose laziness,” “next fall, eight years from now” - surely these winged expressions are known to many.
It is also worth noting that often this number is considered as an image of the “double” four. Another "eight" is the first cube. It was for this reason that Plutarch was confident that this number was a symbol of stability and reliability. In Egypt, this number personified the cosmic order, as in the East.
Nine
This figure also has a very interesting symbolism. The meaning of numbers, referring to numerology, reads: the nine is very multifaceted and contradictory. If character could be attributed to a figure, it would be charismatic and impulsive.
9 represents cyclicality and constancy. In Taoist, Moist, Buddhist, Aztec culture, this number has always been associated with the concept of heaven. And in the culture of Ancient Greece, as many may know, there were 9 muses.
But many attribute this number to a negative value. Someone justifies this by saying that the nine is an inverted six (again a reference to the topic with the "number of the beast"). Others recall 9 circles of hell from Dante's Divine Comedy. And there is also the Curse of the 9th Symphony. It says: after composing the 9th symphony, every composer must die. However, this is referred to as superstition.
Interestingly, even from a mathematical point of view, this figure is unique. If you multiply it by some other number, you will end up with a nine. Here's a good example: 9 x 5 = 45 = 4 + 5 = 9. And here's another 2-digit number: 9 x 13 = 117 = 1 + 1 +7 = 9.
In all cultures, this number is the square of the sacred three, the amazing values ​​of which were mentioned above. The Baha'is consider nine as the personification of human uniqueness and greatness. In the mythology of Ancient Egypt, there were exactly 9 creators of the world. In Chinese philosophy, the nine represents the dragon, and, as you know, in this culture he is one of the greatest symbols. The dragon is a good start. In honor of him, even an annual holiday is arranged.
Ten
This is the number of the cosmos in which all the above numbers are contained, and therefore all the possibilities, meanings and values ​​previously mentioned. It was believed in many ancient cultures, and this opinion exists to this day. A dozen personifies something comprehensive. This is power, order, law.
The Pythagoreans believe that 10 represents renewal. In ancient Rome, this number was perceived as a symbol of perfection. This figure was indicated by X. And “X” is a figure personifying fullness. The Chinese, by the way, this number is denoted in the same way - X. Only the center is formed by the character “chi”. So in their culture is symbolized "I".
There are also many other statements that prove that 10 is a symbol of a single whole. So, for example, a person has 10 fingers on his hand. People use the decimal number system. And taxes, by the way, almost always amounted to tithing.
In the culture of ancient Greece, the "top ten" was considered a number symbolizing the return, completion, end of something. So, for example, Odysseus was wandering for 9 years. And he returned in the 10th year. However, there is another example. Troy was kept under siege for 9 years; in the 10th year, she fell.
Other numbers
Well, a lot of interesting things were said above about the “foundations of the foundations” of numerology. But there is still a lot of other interesting information about other numbers. However, it is impossible to talk about each. At least because their number is infinite. Therefore, it is worth "counting" to a damn dozen - up to 13.
So, what is interesting about the symbolism of the number 11? They attribute to him not the best value. "Ten" is perfection, the law. And 11 is something that means going beyond the limits of both one and the second. This figure in many cultures is associated with the name of Satan. Duality is traced in it - maybe that is why it has become sacred to those who worship demons? By the way, people who were interested in the symbolism of the number 11, found out one very interesting point. If you multiply 111 111 111 by the same value, you get 12345678987654321. It is worth taking a closer look at the result. After all, these are all single digits, listed first in ascending order, and then in descending order.
What interesting can the symbolism of the number 12 tell? Contrary to the previous number 11, it is a symbol of cosmic order. And everyone can understand why. Indeed, 12 signs are distinguished in the zodiac system. As in the eastern horoscope. And the months of the year are also 12. In Christianity, 12 fruits of the spirit are also allocated, the same number of apostles, days in which Christmas is celebrated. But in Egyptian culture it is generally accepted that there are 12 gates of hell. There God Ra spends night hours. And finally, it is worth noting the attention to how the symbolism of the number 12 in the Jewish culture is deciphered. It is generally accepted that there are 12 gates of Heavenly City, the same number of fruits of the Tree of Life and the sons of Jacob.
And finally - a few words about the number, which is known to everyone as a damn dozen. The symbolism of the number 13 is extraordinary. There has always been a special relation to this figure. Some consider her happy, others - bringing disaster. In Kabbalah, this number is the personification of Satan. In the holy book there is even a mention of 13 evil spirits. And among the Aztecs, for example, this number is associated with time. The value 13 ended the time cycle. And even in this culture it is considered that in the head of the main deity there are 13 curls, like a lock in a beard.
Well, as you can see, each number carries something mysterious and magical. It’s hard to disagree. And this topic is especially interesting, since each statement has a factual basis. However, this can be discussed for a long time. But with information about other numbers can be found individually.