Volume
Vol. 13, Gathas
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Superstitions, Customs, and Beliefs
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Sub-Heading
3.7, Unlucky Numbers
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Vol. 13, Gathas
Superstitions, Customs, and Beliefs
3.7, Unlucky Numbers
According to the Orientals, 3, 13, 9, and 18 are numbers which must be avoided in beginning some profitable act. There are some psychological reasons which prove these numbers to be best avoided.
Three denotes all. All means everything, and everything means nothing in particular. Things of the world, which are profitable, are something in particular. Three therefore annuls the distinction, for 3 resolves into 1. One is 3, and 3 is 1.
Thirteen destroys balance by unbalancing the rhythm, as it cannot be evenly divided. Besides, 12 hours of the day and 12 hours of the night complete the day and night. So the thirteenth has no place either in the day or in the night. Besides, after 12 o'clock comes 1, and it marks 13. Thirteen is a number which has no accommodation. Among Western people there is a superstition that the thirteenth person at table must die within the year. This also explains that the number 13 has no accommodation. That a person dies, means that the earth accommodates him no longer.
Nine falls short of perfection. Besides it is 3 times 3.
And so is 18, for 8 and 1 are 9. It has the same effect as 3.
All numbers besides 3, 13, 9, and 18 are considered in the East fit to be used.
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