There are several reasons why the number 14 is considered unlucky. One of the most popular beliefs about the unlucky nature of this number is that it is a combination of two numbers that are individually considered unlucky, i.e., 1 and 4. As the number 1 is often closely associated with singularly, independence, selfishness, egoism, and isolation, it is believed to represent bad luck. On the other hand, the number 4 is linked to death and misfortune in many cultures. In China, 4 is associated with the word “si” which means “death,” and in Japanese culture, the word for the number four also sounds like the word for “death.”
There are also religious and historical reasons why 14 is considered unlucky. For instance, in Christianity, the last supper before Jesus’ crucifixion had 13 participants, including Jesus and Judas. According to biblical accounts, Judas betrayed Jesus, which ultimately led to his crucifixion. Therefore, the number 13 is traditionally associated with bad luck, and by extension, the number 14 is sometimes viewed as unlucky because it follows 13.
Moreover, in ancient Norse mythology, the god Loki was the 14th guest at a banquet of the gods, and he instigated the murder of the god Balder, which led to Ragnarok, the end of the world. The negative association of the number 14 with this myth has contributed to its unlucky connotation.
Furthermore, in many cultures, there are also specific superstitions surrounding the number 14. For example, in Italy, the number 14 is considered unlucky because it is associated with the word “morto,” which means “dead.” In some parts of China and Taiwan, the word for the number 14 sounds similar to the word for “will die.” Hence, some people avoid using this number or avoid living on the 14th floor of a building.
In sum, the unlucky nature of the number 14 can be attributed to a blend of historical, cultural, and religious reasons. Despite its negative connotation, though, it is worth noting that the notion of unluckiness is predominantly a product of superstition and myths and lacks solid factual evidence.
Why is there no 4th floor in China?
In China, it is a common practice to omit the number 4 in buildings and apartments. This is because the number 4 is considered to be unlucky in Chinese culture. The pronunciation of the number 4 sounds similar to the word “death” in Chinese, which brings bad luck and negative connotations.
The same practice is observed in other countries with Chinese cultural influences, such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Singapore. In fact, some buildings may even omit not only the 4th floor but also the floors containing the numbers 14 and 24. Therefore, instead of the traditional floor numbering system, these buildings may jump from the third floor to the fifth floor, or use alternative numbers such as 3A or 5B for the missing floors.
In addition to buildings, the number 4 is also avoided in other aspects of Chinese culture. For example, gift-giving is an essential part of Chinese customs, and the number 4 is a taboo gift. Presenting items in sets of four is considered inauspicious and associated with death. Also, many Chinese restaurants avoid including four items in one dish for the same reason.
To conclude, the absence of the 4th floor in China is not due to any practical or functional reasons but rather stems from a deeply ingrained superstitious belief. The cultural significance of numbers in China, particularly the number 4, cannot be overlooked, and even the smallest details like floor numbers need to be considered carefully to avoid bad luck and negative energy.
Why do American buildings skip the 13th floor?
It is a common practice in American buildings to skip the 13th floor and label the floor above it as the 14th floor. The reason behind this practice is steeped in superstition and symbolic beliefs.
The number 13 has been considered unlucky or ominous in many cultures and religions since ancient times. In Christianity, for example, Jesus was betrayed by one of his 12 disciples at the Last Supper, making 13 people gathered together a sign of bad luck. In Norse mythology, Loki, the god of mischief and chaos, was the 13th guest at a feast in Valhalla which ultimately led to the death of one of the gods. These beliefs and stories have influenced Western culture and created a fear and superstition about the number 13.
This superstition surrounding the number 13 carries over into architecture and building construction, and many builders and architects have avoided using the number in their designs. In particular, the 13th floor has become a symbol of bad luck and is often skipped in modern buildings. Many people fear that if they live or work on the 13th floor, they will be cursed or suffer misfortune.
It is worth noting that this practice is not unique to American buildings. In fact, it is common in many parts of the world, including Canada, Japan, and European countries. However, in some cultures, such as those in Asia, the number four is considered unlucky instead of 13, and buildings may skip the fourth floor instead.
The practice of skipping the 13th floor in American buildings is rooted in superstition and symbolic beliefs surrounding the number 13. Even though there is no rational or scientific evidence to support these beliefs, they continue to influence architecture and building design.
Are there 4s in Japanese elevators?
Yes, there are often 4s in Japanese elevators, but it varies from building to building and region to region. In some parts of Japan, the number 4 is considered unlucky, similar to the way in which the number 13 is considered unlucky in western cultures. This superstition is known as tetraphobia, and it is thought to have originated from the fact that the Japanese word for four, “shi,” sounds similar to the word for death. As a result, many Japanese buildings will skip the fourth floor, or label it differently, such as using the number “F” for floor instead of a number. However, some buildings, especially newer ones or those catering more to international visitors, do not adhere to this superstition and will have a fourth floor with the number four displayed prominently. It is worth noting that the superstition surrounding the number 4 in Japanese culture is not as widespread or strongly held as it once was, and many younger generations do not believe in it or view it as significant.
Why are the numbers 4 and 9 disliked in Japan?
In Japan, the numbers 4 and 9 are commonly regarded as unlucky because of their pronunciation. 4 is pronounced “shi” in Japanese, which also means “death”. This association with death has led to the number 4 being avoided as much as possible, especially in hospitals and hotels where it is often replaced with the character for the number 3 repeated instead. This is known as “yattsu biraki” and it is believed to ward off the bad luck associated with the number 4.
Similarly, the number 9 is pronounced “ku” in Japanese, which sounds like the word for “pain” or “suffering”. Furthermore, in Japanese culture, the number 9 is associated with the Kuzunoha, a legendary fox spirit that brings misfortune and disaster. As a result, many establishments in Japan tend to avoid using the number 9 altogether, and it is also often substituted with the number 8 instead.
This aversion to certain numbers in Japan is rooted in the country’s deep-seated belief in superstition, and is often taken very seriously in both business and personal settings. It is not uncommon to see certain phone numbers or addresses sold at a higher price specifically because they lack the “unlucky” numbers 4 or 9.
The dislike of the numbers 4 and 9 in Japan is deeply ingrained in the culture and society, and is not likely to disappear any time soon. It serves as a reminder of how traditional beliefs and values can continue to shape modern society and influence our behavior in unexpected ways.
How are elevators numbered?
Elevators are numbered based on their location in a building or structure. Generally, the first digit of an elevator number corresponds to the floor or level that the elevator serves. For example, the elevator on the first floor of a building may be numbered as “1,” while the elevator on the fourth floor may be numbered as “4.”
In addition to the first digit indicating the floor or level, elevators may also have additional digits or letters that signify their location within a certain bank of elevators. For instance, if a building has several elevators grouped together in the same area, the elevators may be numbered with letters or additional numbers that differentiate them from one another.
As buildings have become taller and more complex, elevator numbering systems have become more sophisticated. Some modern buildings, particularly those with large central atria or multiple wings, may use color-coded numbers or symbols to designate elevators that serve different areas of the building.
In addition to numbers and letters, elevators may also be labeled with the names of the building’s tenants or businesses. This is common in office buildings where multiple companies occupy different floors and may have exclusive access to certain elevators.
The numbering of elevators serves as an organizational tool that helps people navigate the building efficiently and quickly. By using a clear and understandable numbering system, building owners can ensure that visitors and tenants can easily find and access the appropriate elevators for their needs.
Why is 4 bad in Chinese?
In Chinese culture, the number 4 is considered bad luck because it sounds similar to the word for “death” in the Chinese language. The word for four in Chinese is “si” (四), which sounds almost identical to the word for death, “si” (死).
The number 4 is associated with many negative things in Chinese culture. For example, many buildings in China do not have a 4th floor, and if they do, they often skip the number 4. Additionally, some Chinese people avoid using 4 in their phone numbers and license plates, since they believe it will bring them bad luck.
The superstition around the number 4 is so strong in China that it has permeated many aspects of daily life. In hospitals, for example, the rooms that are used for terminally ill patients are often numbered with a 4, and some hospitals do not even have a room number 4. This superstition also extends to the gift-giving culture in China, where it is considered unlucky to give a gift of 4 items.
The negative connotation surrounding the number 4 in Chinese culture is deeply rooted and widely believed. Although many Chinese people may not actually believe in the superstition, they still try to avoid anything associated with the number 4 just in case, as a way to avoid any unintentional bad luck.
What is the 4.3 incident in Korea?
The 4.3 incident, also known as the Jeju Uprising, was a major event in Korea’s modern history that occurred on April 3, 1948, in the island of Jeju. It was a period of great political instability in Korea, as the country was still under the control of foreign powers and divided into two separate states.
The incident began as a result of tensions between anti-communist groups and pro-independence supporters, following the establishment of the Republic of Korea in August 1948. In Jeju, there were several groups fighting for sovereignty, including an independence movement led by the Jeju People’s Party.
On April 3, 1948, the police began a crackdown against the Jeju People’s Party, causing riots and violent clashes to break out between the police and party supporters. The situation escalated when the South Korean military was sent to Jeju and began a brutal campaign to suppress the rebellion, resulting in violence and atrocities committed against civilians.
The military campaign was characterized by heavy-handed tactics, including torture, indiscriminate killings, and the use of weapons such as napalm and machine guns. The campaign resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, including many innocent civilians who were caught in the crossfire.
The impact of the 4.3 incident on Korea was significant, as it led to widespread mistrust and animosity between different groups within the country. The incident also contributed to the polarization of South Korean politics and helped to fuel the rise of authoritarian regimes in the country.
Today, the 4.3 incident is still remembered in Korea as a tragic event that highlighted the deep divisions within the country and the struggle for sovereignty and independence. The incident remains an important part of Korean history and serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting peace and stability in the region.
Is the number 4 bad luck in Chinese?
The number 4 is considered unlucky in Chinese culture due to its sound being similar to the word for “death”. This belief is deeply ingrained in Chinese society, and as a result, many buildings and structures in China skip the number 4 in their floor numbering or omit it entirely. Similarly, when purchasing gifts in China, it is recommended to avoid giving items in sets of four as this is considered unfortunate.
However, it is important to note that this association with the number 4 is mainly prominent in Mainland China and Chinese communities outside of China. In Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, the number 4 is not as strongly associated with bad luck, although it is still avoided in certain circumstances.
Furthermore, while the number 4 is generally avoided in Chinese culture, there are also several lucky numbers that hold a significant place in Chinese tradition. Numbers like 8, 9, and 6 are considered extremely lucky due to their auspicious meanings and are often used in business and personal affairs.
While the number 4 may be considered unlucky in Chinese culture, it is important to understand the nuances and differences in beliefs across regions and communities.
