Cursed numbers: where do they come from and what do they mean in different cultures? Find out where these unlucky numbers appear, how they are identified and why some societies regard them with fear. Superstitions about cursed numbers are mysterious and fascinating, and they can help us better understand how cultural and historical contexts shape the way we see numbers and good or bad luck.
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The meaning of numbers
In human culture and society, numbers carry meaning and symbolism that reach deep into history. Their meanings vary and are linked to cultural, religious and historical contexts. Numbers are used in mathematics and science to measure, express quantities and carry out all kinds of calculations. However, the meaning of numbers is not limited to mathematics and science.
Cursed numbers
In many corners of the world, superstitions and traditions link certain numbers with misfortune, evil and curses. These “cursed numbers” are a firm part of superstition and reflect our beliefs and fears. They may seem like mere numbers, but they have a sinister reputation and often play a role in choosing numbers for important occasions such as weddings, birthdays or buying property.
Number 4
In some Asian cultures, the number 4 is considered unlucky and cursed. In Chinese and Japanese, the number 4 sounds similar to words associated with endings and death. This has led to the superstition that the number 4 brings bad luck and is best avoided.
In practice, this means that some buildings and lifts skip numbers containing a four. Instead, they use the letter F. This applies especially to hospitals and properties, where people try to keep the number 4 to a minimum to avoid any association with death.
This is not the case in Germany, where the number 4 is considered lucky because it is linked to the “four-leaf clover”, a symbol of good luck.
Number 9
In some Arab and Muslim countries, there is a superstition about the cursed number 9. It is based on the sound and phonetic similarity of the number 9 in Arabic to certain words with negative meanings.
In Japan, the sound of the number 9 is very similar to the Japanese word for “torture”. That is why the number 9 is seen as unlucky or associated with death.
This superstition about the cursed number 9 can have various effects on society, such as people avoiding numbers containing a nine when choosing numbers for important occasions. Some people try to use this number as little as possible in everyday life to avoid any association with death and misfortune.
In China, however, it is a lucky number because it is considered the number of the emperor. Norwegians regard it as a sacred number because their folklore contains many stories about the number 9.
Number 13
The cursed number 13 is one of the best-known and most widespread superstitions. This belief in the negative meaning of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia.
Many clues suggest that matriarchal cultures had 13 months of 28 days each, linked to women’s lunar cycle. Patriarchy changed this division of the year into twelve parts, and 13 gained a devilish reputation.
In our culture, 13 is an unlucky number. Christ called 12 apostles, which made him the thirteenth. Although the Bible did not specify the order in which the individual men took their places, in the 19th century the belief took hold that the last, thirteenth place was taken by Judas.
In Norse mythology we find a similar situation, in which 12 gods were dining at one table in Valhalla. The god Loki, known for his tricks and deceptions, was not invited, but he arrived as the thirteenth guest and brought death and chaos. That is why 13 was marked as an unlucky number in Norse myths.
On Friday 13 October, the French king Philip IV the Fair began the persecution of the Knights Templar, and many members of the famous order were tortured and killed. For the Templars, Friday the 13th thus became a cursed day.
And when Christopher Columbus landed on the shores of America, it reportedly happened on 13 October. However, to avoid suspicion that his expedition was cursed, he changed the date in his records to 12 October.
On these foundations, the myth arose that everything connected with the number 13 is bad. So you may read that if your name has 13 letters, you are cursed and doomed to a tragic fate.
We can find dozens of such events and superstitions in history. Although there is no acceptable evidence that the number 13 is unlucky, it remains a sign of bad luck because of traditional views.
Number 17
The superstition about the cursed number 17 is not as widespread as those about other cursed numbers, such as 13. In Italy, however, the number 17 is seen as unlucky.
This is because in Roman numerals, 17 is written as XVII. If you rearrange the numerals, you get VIXI. This is the Latin for “I have lived”. The phrase is often used on gravestones.
Number 39
According to many Afghans, the number 39 has a bad reputation because of a well-known pimp who was recognised by this number on his car’s number plate.
His dubious reputation and illegal line of business led to the number 39 becoming associated with immorality. The curse of the number 39 was born. Anyone with a number plate bearing this number risks being linked to the sex trade, which is taboo in a Muslim country.
Number 666
The number 666 is known as “the number of the beast” and has a special symbolism. This superstition is linked mainly to the Christian tradition, especially the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, where the number 666 appears. In this passage, the number 666 appears as a symbol of misfortune and evil. As a result, the number is often seen as negative in Western Christian culture and is associated with the devil or demonic forces. Some superstitions claim that the number 666 can be used to identify the “man of the beast” or the “Antichrist.”
Cursed phone numbers
Cursed phone numbers are usually part of superstitions and myths based on the belief that certain phone numbers can bring misfortune, tragedy or other negative events. These superstitions are usually culturally specific and vary in different parts of the world.
0888 888 888 (Bulgaria): So far, this Bulgarian number has brought death to every one of its owners. The first owner of the number died of cancer. The next two owners were shot. After these three owners, legends began to spread about the number of death. The mobile operator cancelled the number completely and removed it from its lists.
999-9999 (Thailand): A person who calls this number can make one wish, which will come true within a year and a day. The following year, however, the person falls seriously ill and dies after long suffering.
1-000-000-0000 (Asian countries): People in Asian countries consider this phone number cursed. Callers hear a strange male voice threatening to kill them if they do not pass the number on to at least five other people.
A cursed film phone number
At the end of the trailer for Stephen King’s horror film Carrie, the number 1 (207) 404-2604 appeared. People who called it received three voicemail messages. The first contained horrible screams, the second a creepy melody and the third a terrifying whisper. It was a very clever marketing campaign for the film.
💡 Tip: Also read: Egyptian symbols and their meaning in the modern world
