NUMBER SYMBOLISM IN CHINA — LUCKY OR TABOO?
BY CATHRYN JIANG
Have you ever wondered what certain numbers
mean in China? Have you ever been in a situation
where you have no idea what your Chinese friends
are talking about when they say certain numbers?
In fact, number symbolism is very prevalent in
traditional Chinese culture. Since ancient times,
numbers are used to represent various words or
meanings. Nowadays, numbers have become a
significant part of our lives. You can truly see them
everywhere as they appear frequently on money,
signs, and social media. At Shanghai Livingston
American School (SLAS), some students also use
numbers as expressions when posting wechat
moments, commenting under the posts, or when
giving a gift.
actually a homophone for the Chinese character
“everlasting.” Another example of number
symbolism is “666,” which frequently appears on
comments under wechat moments. This number
actually represents “thumbs up” as the number “6”
looks like the gesture itself. Last but not least, the
number “8” is also an auspicious number in China
since it actually rhymes with the Chinese character
that means financial fortune.
Mr. Brian Delsandro, a science teacher at SLAS
commented, “I learned about Chinese number
symbolism from my wife. I know the meaning of
some numbers, such as ‘4’ means ‘death’ and ‘8’
means ‘lucky.’” He also added, “I don’t use these
number symbolisms often but I do use them when
Howard Yan, a junior student at SLAS stated, “I am I’m joking with my wife.”
aware that numbers in China have certain
meanings. I use them sometimes when I’m talking As can be seen, numbers actually have certain
to my friends.” He commented further, “However, meanings! Number symbolism might not be that
I usually prefer to use words during most of my common in your daily life, but knowing them can
conversations in order to avoid confusions or really help you avoid misunderstandings and
misunderstandings.”
cultural taboo actions in China. Understanding this
can also help to make interacting with Chinese
Today, many people use numbers to express a locals more interesting and fulfilling. With this in
certain feeling or thought. For instance, many mind, you’ll know what they mean the next time
couples would send their loved one 999 roses that you meet someone using number symbolism.
symbolize “eternal love” since the number “9” is
27