Symbolism of numbers in ancient cultures and literature

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

The symbolism of numbers is an interesting topic. Numbers are all around us, and numerologists have been deciphering them and explaining what they can mean for a long time. Regularly they find out some interesting facts and entertaining information. However, all this can be told in order.

Zero and one

Following the traditional order, it is worth starting with these numbers. Zero is the absence of something, emptiness, nothingness. But only not in the Jewish Kabbalah (esoteric and religious-mystical trend of the XII century). According to him, 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 a figure: it has neither a beginning nor an end. And its elliptical elongation can symbolize falling and rising.

But in Egyptian culture, the symbol of zero personified the omnipresent deity. The Incas, on the other hand, considered him to be the symbol of earthly rulers and gods. For Pythagoras, who was not onlymathematician, but also a mystic and creator of a religious-philosophical school, zero was a perfect form. In Buddhism, it is customary to consider this figure a reflection of emptiness and immateriality. In Islam, zero symbolizes the Essence of the Divine, and in Taoism - non-existence and emptiness.

The symbolism of the number 1 is of particular interest. In almost all cultures, it symbolizes the beginning, the primary unity, something central and inseparable. The Pythagoreans believed that the unit is the primary point of every calculation. Adherents of Confucianism consider the number 1 to be the mystical center from which our world originated. It is also generally accepted that this figure is related to all people who were born on the 30th, 27th, 24th, 21st, 18th, 15th, 12th, 9th, 6th, 3rd, and 1st. Those whose date of birth in total forms a unit are characterized by numerologists as leaders by nature. For example, 03.10.1995: 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 Patristic exegesis, you can find that even there 1 symbolizes the Creator and the beginning of everything that exists on Earth.

Two

In the general sense, this number symbolizes duality. As in Buddhism, by the way. But there are other options as well. Chinese philosophy says that 2 is yin, the feminine. But the symbolism of numbers in patristic exegesis interprets this figure differently - as the dual nature of Jesus, who was not only God, but also a Man with a capital letter.

Jewish philosophy says that the deuce represents life force. In the notorious Kabbalah, the number 2designated as the personification of self-awareness and wisdom.

The symbolism of the number 2 is displayed very interestingly in literature, to be more precise, in the work of Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky. And every person who read his works will understand what is at stake. Many of his works were based on the idea of duality. Take, for example, the story "Double". The theme is already in the title. Although references to the phenomenon of duality can be traced back in "Poor People". However, there he is displayed 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 theme is reflected in Notes from the Underground, The 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 "A 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 the number 3 also deserves special attention. Because this figure personifies the idea of trinity, which is the basis of many religious and philosophical teachings. The number 3 is even associated with the three-dimensionality of our space, that is, height, length and width. And the three-phase state of matter - hardness, liquid, vapor. This also includes birth, life and death; beginning, middle and end; as well as past, present and future. It is also believed that 3 ispersonification of good luck.

And again it is worth turning to such an interesting topic as the symbolism of numbers in literature. Because the troika also occupies a certain place in it. In The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish, the old man was offered exactly 3 wishes. In the "Humpbacked Horse" the peasant had 3 sons. What about The Tale of Tsar S altan? After all, it was in it that three girls under the window spun late in the evening.

And catchphrases? “Lie from three boxes”, “cry into 3 streams”, “bend into 3 deaths” … After all, these phrases are familiar to everyone. Yes, and God, as they say, loves a trinity. Why so much attention was paid to this figure? She was considered magical. But because it consisted of the sum of the two previous numbers - one and two. And in magical rites, the three played their role. Even now, many people habitually thump over their left shoulder 3 times, followed by the same number of thumps on a wooden surface if they don't want bad luck to happen.

In general, the generally accepted symbolism of numbers says: the three 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. Representatives of almost all cultures and beliefs came to this conclusion.

Four

Completeness, integrity, totality - that's what this number is synonymous with. And so it is considered for a reason, as in all other cases. A square, the most regular figure, has four sides. And everyone is equal. There are also four sides of the world. Like the seasons. In the tradition of all initiations andreligions 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, it is customary to consider this figure the personification of perfection and harmonious proportions. And this can be traced even in chaos. Available in the form of "four horsemen of the Apocalypse" - a term that describes the characters (of course, in what quantity) from the 6th chapter of the Revelation of John the Theologian.

In art and literature, the symbolism of the number 4 is also quite common. The greatest Italian architect Andrea Palladio wrote a work called "Four Books on Architecture". This is a serious body 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 classic novels". There are many other examples, but I would like to turn to painting. German graphic artist and artist of the XV century, Albrecht Dürer, painted the painting "Four Apostles". And Hieronymus Bosch, a Dutch painter of the same time, owns the creation of "7 deadly sins and 4 last things."

What about people whose patron number is 4? They are extremely unique in nature. 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 unbounded mind and worldview, thanks 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 seemsintolerable.

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 considered in many cultures, associating a number with a hand, five fingers. It is also an important symbol of the universe in the Celtic, Japanese, Chinese and other traditions. Love, sensuality, he alth, meditation, strength - all of the above is usually personified with a five. This is also indicated by the traditional symbolism of numbers.

The Pythagoreans believed that 5 is a sacred number, since it combines a three, representing the sky, and a two, meaning the earth.

By the way, the five-pointed star has been a military insignia from ancient times to the present day. This is no accident. Indeed, in Akkadian mythology there was a goddess of war, strife, carnal love and fertility, known as Ishtar. It was her symbol that was the 5-pointed star.

But in Christianity, this figure represents a person after the fall. I remember the Pentateuch of Moses, 5 senses, 5 points of formation of the cross, 5 wounds of Jesus Christ, and 5 fish that fed 5,000 people.

The Chinese attach special 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, cardinal virtues, initiations, eternal ideals.

It is interesting that in our time there is a so-called fifth power. This name denotes an influential political force in society, which is inferior toby its importance to the executive, legislative, judicial, and even the press.

And considering such a topic as the symbolism of numbers, one cannot help but note that 5 is a mirror homoglyph of "two". It also has its own magic.

Six and seven

The perfect number 6 in most cultures is considered the personification of harmony and balance. In numerology, this number is called a hexad, which symbolizes symmetry and the creation of something new. "Six" is a union of opposites, which forms a single integrity. There is nothing bad associated with her. Although many immediately recall the devilish "three sixes", otherwise known as the "number of the beast." There is an opinion that in fact it is 616, and not 666, - allegedly, a typo was made when rewriting the Revelation of St. John. So many "three sixes" are considered superstition. Although even in this case, this figure showed its "ideal". After all, 666, according to superstitions, 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. Also, this number is most often used as the basis of classification. Much in this world is grouped by 7. That is how many days in a week, and in the rainbow - shades. It is customary to single out 7 space eras, the same number of heavens and circles in hell. There are also 7 wonders of the world, like the ages of man. And in all cultures, "seven" means something good. In Islam, 7 symbolizes the highest bliss. In Hinduism, happiness. ATBuddhism - 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.

Yes, and in culture it is not rare. Take, for example, proverbs and sayings. “Measure 7 times - cut 1 time”, “seven do not wait for one”, “for a beloved friend 7 miles is not a village”, “it is better to burn 7 times than to be widowed 1” - 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 my seven waters, our Russian essence cannot be taken out of us." And in the work “Stars of the Alien Side”, written by Lion Queen, 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 commonly believed that it symbolizes restoration, renewal, happiness and the newfound paradise. In Christianity, it is the eighth day that gives rise to a new person - cleansed during a week's fast. And after the Flood, only 8 people were saved.

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 is held 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, he cried out on the eighth” - again, there is a reference to the truethe value of this number. “Spring and autumn - eight weather days”, “seven, eight - we’ll discard laziness”, “next autumn, in eight years” - these popular expressions are probably known to many.

It is also worth noting that this number is often considered as an image of the "double" four. Another "eight" is the first cube. It was for this reason that Plutarch was sure that this number was a symbol of inviolability 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, if we turn to numerology, says: 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, Mohist, Buddhist, Aztec culture, this number has always been associated with the idea of heaven. And in the culture of Ancient Greece, as many may know, there were 9 muses.

But many attribute a negative meaning to this number. 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 the 9 circles of hell from Dante's Divine Comedy. And then there is The Curse of the 9th Symphony. It says: every composer must die after the creation of the 9th symphony. However, this is considered superstition.

Interestingly, even from a mathematical point of view, this figure is unique. If you multiply it by some other number, in the end everythingit will still be nine. Here's a good example: 9 x 5=45=4 + 5=9. And here's another with a 2-digit number: 9 x 13=117=1 + 1 +7=9.

Even in all cultures, this number is the square of the sacred three, the amazing meanings of which were mentioned above. Baha'is consider the nine to be 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 personifies the dragon, and, as you know, in this culture, he is one of the greatest symbols. The dragon is a good start. There is even an annual celebration in his honor.

Ten

This is the number of the cosmos, which contains all the above numbers, and therefore all the possibilities, meanings and values previously mentioned. So it was believed in many ancient cultures, and this opinion exists to this day. Ten personifies something all-encompassing. This is power, order, law.

Pythagoreans believe that 10 represents renewal. In ancient Rome, this number was perceived as a symbol of perfection. This figure was denoted by an x. And "X" is a figure that personifies completeness. The Chinese, by the way, this number is also denoted by X. Only the center is formed by the character "chi". This is how the “I” is symbolized in their culture.

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, were almost always equal to tithing.

In the culture of ancient Greece, the "ten" was considereda 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 under siege for 9 years, in the 10th year it fell.

Other numbers

Well, a lot of interesting things were said above about the “basics of the foundations” of numerology. But there is still a lot of other interesting information about other numbers. However, it is impossible to tell about each. At least because their number is infinite. That's why it's worth "counting" to the damn dozen - up to 13.

So, what is interesting about the symbolism of the number 11? He is credited with 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. There is a duality in it - maybe that is why it has become sacred among 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 looking at the result. After all, these are all single-digit numbers, listed first in ascending order, and then in descending order.

And what interesting things can tell the symbolism of the number 12? Contrary to the previous number 11, this is a symbol that personifies the cosmic order. And everyone can understand why. There are 12 signs in the zodiac system. As in the eastern horoscope. And there are also 12 months in a year. In Christianity, 12 fruits are also distinguishedspirit, the same number of apostles, the days on which Christmas is celebrated. But in Egyptian culture, it is commonly believed that there are 12 gates of hell. There God Ra spends the night hours. And, finally, it is worth noting how the symbolism of the number 12 is deciphered in Jewish culture. It is generally accepted that there are 12 gates of the Heavenly City, the same number of fruits of the Tree of Life and the sons of Jacob.

And in the end - a few words about the figure, which is known to everyone as the devil's dozen. The symbolism of the number 13 is unusual. This figure has always had a special relationship. Some consider her happy, others - bringing misfortune. 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. It was the value of 13 that ended the time cycle. And in this culture, it is generally accepted that in the hair of the main deity there are exactly 13 curls, like a strand in a beard.

Well, as you can see, each number carries something mysterious and magical. It's hard to disagree with this. And this topic is especially interesting, because each statement has a factual basis. However, we can talk about this for a long time. But information about other numbers can be found on an individual basis.