Throughout history, across many cultures, the number 7 has held special significance and meaning. It has been considered magical, mystical, holy, and lucky. But why has the number 7 specifically been imbued with such symbolism and reverence? What is it about the numeral and quantity of 7 that has led to its persistent and widespread associations with good fortune, divinity, spiritual enlightenment, and auspiciousness? This article will explore the fascinating history behind 7 as the luckiest number.
Seven in Religion
One of the most prominent contexts in which 7 has been granted special meaning is in religion. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, 7 is considered the perfect or complete number. This stems from the biblical story of Genesis, in which God created the heavens and earth in 6 days, and rested on the 7th. The number 7 came to represent spiritual completeness or divinity. Beyond Judeo-Christianity, 7 also holds religious significance in other faiths and cultures. In Islam, 7 is a holy number, appearing in important contexts. There are 7 heavens in Islamic cosmology. Muslims pilgrims walk around the Kaaba in Mecca 7 times during Hajj. In Hinduism, there are 7 major chakras or energy centers in the body. Buddhism describes 7 factors of enlightenment leading to Nirvana. Across religions and cultures globally, 7 is woven into belief systems and imbued with divine meaning.
Seven in the Ancient World
The special supernatural associations with 7 extend back thousands of years to ancient cultures around the world. In ancient Egypt, there were 7 paths to heaven. The top level of the pyramid of Djoser, the earliest Egyptian pyramid, was built with 7 steps. Ancient Babylonians considered 7 a holy number with magical properties, and the 7th day of the month was seen as lucky. The Ancient Greeks viewed 7 as the perfect number, imbued with mystical qualities. They told of 7 wonders of the ancient world, and mountains with 7 important peaks, like Mount Olympus. Celtic mythology described 7 sacred trees, often using the wood in magical wands. Across China, Japan, India and Southeast Asia, 7 long represented perfection, wholeness, and divinity throughout folklore and spirituality. From the earliest human civilizations, the pattern is clear: 7 held deep symbolic power as a magical, holy, lucky number.
Why 7 Stands Out
So what is it exactly that makes the number 7 stand apart from other numbers, and take on such supernatural significance across humanity? There are a few key numerical and scientific reasons 7 has a special mathematical appeal.
It’s a Prime Number
7 is a prime number. This means it can’t be made by multiplying other whole numbers, only itself and 1. Primes have long intrigued mathematicians and philosophers, as unique, sort of atomic elements in math. There is evidence prime numbers held mystical importance in many ancient cultures. Being prime gives 7 an aura of uniqueness and ineffability.
It’s at the Center of the “Magical Number 7”
In 1956, Harvard psychologist George Miller published a famous paper titled “The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two.” This described his theory that 7, plus or minus 2, constituted the optimal number of units people can hold in their working memory. So 7 sits right in the middle of this special cognitive sweet spot. Our brains seem wired to view 7 items or ideas as a highly manageable amount. Seven feels “just right” to the human mind.
Its Scientific Properties
Aside from being prime, 7 has other mathematically unusual properties. For instance, when 7 is multiplied sequentially from 1 to 6, the digits always add up to 7. Like:
| 7 x 1 = 7 |
| 7 x 2 = 14 (1 + 4 = 5) |
| 7 x 3 = 21 (2 + 1 = 3) |
| 7 x 4 = 28 (2 + 8 = 10, 1 + 0 = 1) |
| 7 x 5 = 35 (3 + 5 = 8) |
| 7 x 6 = 42 (4 + 2 = 6) |
Properties like this give 7 mathematical elegance and appeal. It’s a unique charm number, which fascinates mathematicians and numerically-inclined spiritualists.
It’s Role in Music
The number 7 forms the foundation of much music theory as well. There are 7 notes in the major scale. There are 7 modes, which medieval church music was based on. In many cultures, there are 7 tones on the musical scale between notes – leading to concepts of lucky 7th chords and 7th symphonies. The innate aesthetics of 7 in music could contribute to it feeling pleasing and lucky.
Signs of Seven’s Luck in Nature
Beyond abstract mathematics and cosmic religion, the number 7 seems woven into natural patterns around us in ways that make it feel innately lucky and meaningful.
The 7 Days of the Week
One of the most obvious examples is the establishment of the 7-day week, dating back to Babylonian astrology mapping the 7 celestial bodies known in antiquity. The fact humans organized time around 7-day cycles gives the number symbolic power.
The 7 Colors of the Rainbow
When sunlight refracts through raindrops, it appears to split into a spectrum of 7 colored bands – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. Rainbows were granted spiritual meaning in many cultures, and the 7 colorful bands reinforced 7 as a number representing wholeness and completeness.
7 Continents on Earth
The traditional model of Earth’s landmasses identifies 7 continents: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica. It’s unclear if early models of 7 continents were influenced by the lucky meaning of 7 – but it does further reinforce 7 as feeling like the right, lucky number of major landmasses.
7 Seas on Earth
Similar to the continents, there are traditionally 7 oceans and bodies identified as major seas: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic Oceans, plus the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas. Here again, we see 7 in nature segmented in a way that resonates with 7’s symbolism.
7 Classical Planets Visible to Ancient Astronomers
Early stargazers identified 7 major celestial objects in the sky which seemed to move independently: the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Modern astronomy has increased this count as telescope technology advanced – but the earliest named classical planets numbered 7, contributing to its mystical appeal.
The Prevalence of 7 in World Cultures
The prevalence of 7 throughout religions, spirituality, mathematics, music, and nature provides strong foundations for its lucky meanings. Additionally, the number 7 became deeply ingrained in cultures and traditions in ways that reinforced it as special across geography and history. Here are some of the most prominent examples:
Chinese 7-Star Gods
In Chinese mythology, 7 ancient star gods who controlled human affairs and destiny were widely revered. The Big Dipper constellation was key to this belief. The traditional seven mansions of the moon also hold deep meaning. Chinese rituals reference the 7 gods for fortune, longevity, medicine, exams, travel, fertility, and more.
Japanese 7 Gods of Fortune
Across Japanese religion and folklore, seven lucky gods feature prominently. Each represents different virtues for a good life – longevity, prosperity, knowledge, etc. Statues of the seven gods of fortune appear in temples, and charms invoke their powers. They remain an integral part of New Year’s celebrations and wishes.
Judaism and the 7-Branched Menorah
In the Jewish tradition, the 7-branched menorah is an iconic symbol. It dates to biblical times and the Exodus narrative. The 7 candles represent knowledge and creation. The menorah appears in countless Jewish temples and in iconography associated with Moses.
Christianity and 7 Deadly Sins + 7 Virtues
In early Christian theology, moral behavior hinged on avoiding the 7 deadly or cardinal sins, while pursuing the 7 heavenly virtues. This binary 7-7 model of sin and virtue became deeply ingrained in Western culture beyond religion, into art and literature.
Hinduism and the 7 Chakras
As mentioned, Hindu and Buddhist models of the human body contain 7 chakras or energy centers running up the spine. Opening these 7 mystical chakras leads to health and spiritual enlightenment. Yoga, meditation, and Eastern medicine focus closely on the 7 chakras.
West African Adinkra 7 Symbols
Adinkra symbols of the Akan people of West Africa incorporate messages about wisdom, power, humility and immortality. Seven of the key Adinkra symbols are incorporated into fabrics, pottery, logos, and architecture. They teach shared cultural values.
Native American 7 Council Fires
Among some Native American tribes, there was a tradition of 7 council fires. These were confederacies of 7 allied nations in different regions. They included shared laws, rituals and ceremonies. Great binding decisions were made at the council fire gatherings.
Seven as a Lucky Number in Games, Myths and Superstitions
Given how ingrained the number 7 is globally in mathematics, nature, religion and culture, it’s no surprise it features heavily in mythology, folklore and superstition as a lucky number. Here are some of the ways 7 has been woven into stories, games, and beliefs as an entity that brings good fortune.
7 Lucky Gods in Roman and Greek Mythology
The earliest Roman and Greek myths contained groups of 7 gods who brought health, fertility and prosperity. These include the Di Consentes in Rome, and collections of 7 agricultural gods, sea gods, and more. Temples invoked the 7 for fortune and blessings.
Luck of 7 Bone Dice Throws
In ancient games of chance using numbered dice, the roll of a 7 was considered highly auspicious and lucky. This carried into modern craps, where a first throw totaling 7 wins. Dice games became part of folklore, attaching luck to 7 rolls.
The 7 Wonders of the Ancient World
One of the earliest such lists names 7 remarkable structures and places in the ancient Mediterranean world. Being on the list brought fame, fortune and tourist interest. The seven wonders represented divine gifts.
7th Child as Lucky in Folk Legends
In the folklore of many European and Western cultures, the 7th consecutive child born to a family is endowed with good fortune, psychic abilities, and the ability to heal by touch. 7th sons in particular take on heightened status.
Fortune in the 7th House Astrology
In astrology and horoscopes, the 7th house (or division) out of the 12 is considered the house of partnerships, contracts, marriage and prosperity. A fortunate birthchart has positive alignments related to the 7th house.
Lucky 7s Slots and Roulette Bets
In casinos, games often present 7 as the jackpot symbol. Slot machines frequently use lucky 777 as the top winning combo. In roulette, a bet on 7 pays out at higher odds than other bets. Games of chance build up 7 as a fortunate number.
Italian Folklore on 7 as Magical and Protective
Italian culture has many traditions around 7 bringing luck and warding off bad energy. Knocking 7 times on wood, or 7 times at another’s door, is lucky. Serving 7 dishes at a wedding feast prevents evil. Seven also features in myths, street games, and good luck charms.
7 Protective deities in Mesopotamian Religions
In the pantheon of ancient Akkadian, Babylonian, Sumerian and Assyrian gods, there were collections of 7 protective deities. They warded off evil forces through their connection to the 7 celestial bodies visible to ancient astronomers. Temples and rituals invoked these 7.
Evidence of Seven’s Meaning as the Luckiest Number
Given all these patterns above, what evidence is there quantitatively that 7 is widely considered the luckiest number, both today and historically? Survey data affirms this in current culture, while historical data shows it’s also persisted over centuries.
Surveys Show 7 is Most Common “Lucky Number” Response
Recent poll data indicates that when people are asked to name a lucky number, 7 is by far the most popular response:
| YouGov Survey 2021 | 31% said 7 was their lucky number |
| Statista Survey 2017 | 44% considered 7 their lucky number |
| Marist Institute Poll 2015 | 7 chosen as lucky by 44% of Americans |
While this varies a bit across different polls, 7 has a sizable lead as most frequently perceived lucky number in current times.
Unusual Frequency of 7 Historically
Analyses of numerology in historical texts and mystical writings shows 7 used with disproportionate frequency, compared to other numbers. This includes historical literature, musical compositions, and important dates chosen for events. The prevalence far exceeds statistical expectations, indicating 7 held appeal and significance.
Disproportionate 7s in Astrology and Numerology
Pseudoscientific divinatory systems like astrology and numerology lean heavily on claimed meanings and powers related to 7. Numerology associates multiple positive attributes with 7 people. Astrology imbues the 7th house and alignments with the number 7 with life events significance beyond other houses and numbers.
Why Does 7 Resonate as Lucky Across Humanity?
Stepping back, why does this pattern exist at all? What makes people across culture and history intuitively lean towards 7 as representing life’s positives like divinity, fortune, blessings and completeness? There are likely some subtle reasons for 7’s appeal:
The Human Experience of 7 Stages
Importantly, the human life experience and development intuitively occurs across ~7 stages, from birth to adulthood. There are babyhood, toddler, child, kid, teen, young adult and full adult phases. This resonance with the number 7 helps generate meaning.
7 family members as Ideal
Multiples of 7 simultaneously feel manageable for working memory yet substantial in number. The “ideal” nuclear family has historically been depicted as 2 parents + 5 children = 7 members. This crystallizes 7 as a favored quantity.
The Week’s 7-Day Cycle
The persistence of the 7-day week across human civilization, anchoring our perception of time, cements 7 as foundational to life. Few numbers are as routinely experienced in a weekly cycle as 7.
Early Knowledge Limited to 7 Major Celestial Bodies
Ancient humans perceived their world around 7 major celestial objects in the sky. This imbued 7 with cosmic significance, which it retained even as science revealed many more celestial bodies over time.
Conclusion
In summary, the number 7 has established itself across millennia, religions, cultures and geographies as widely seen and felt as the world’s luckiest number. This stems from:
– Unique mathematical properties like being prime and centered in the magical number 7.
– Prevalence in world religions, often representing divine completion.
– Appearing in nature in everything from days of the week to colors of the rainbow.
– Deep roots across cultures, from Chinese myth to Jewish menorahs.
– Enduring in legends, games of chance, and systems of fortune.
– Consistently polling as today’s most identified lucky number.
Seven sits at the apex of numerical symbols which simply feel lucky due to consistently positive associations for all of human history. Other numbers may at times come into vogue culturally as lucky – but the magic and mysticism of 7 endures across all of civilization. For perceiving order in chaos, finding meaning in random chance, and tapping into the mystical energies of the world, 7 emerges as the foundation. From the ancient world to current times, no number channels good fortune and divinely blessed completeness like the undeniably lucky 7.