The Unlucky Number 14 in Chinese Culture
For many Americans, the number 14 might just be another digit. However, in Chinese culture, it's a number that many actively try to avoid, particularly when it comes to significant events, building floors, or even telephone numbers. This aversion stems from a deep-seated belief in numerology and homophones, where the sound of a word can imbue it with meaning and influence. Let's dive into why 14 is considered unlucky and explore some other fascinating number superstitions in China.
The Homophone of Death: Why 14 is Unlucky
The primary reason 14 is considered a bad number in Chinese is due to its pronunciation. In Mandarin Chinese, the number 14 is pronounced "shí sì" (十四). The word for "death" in Mandarin is "sǐ" (死), which sounds very similar to the "sì" in "shí sì." This phonetic similarity creates an unfortunate association, leading people to believe that the number 14 carries connotations of death and misfortune. This is a prime example of how **homophones** play a crucial role in Chinese superstitions.
This isn't a subtle linguistic nuance; the similarity is strong enough for it to be a widely recognized superstition. Therefore, in situations where good luck is paramount, such as choosing dates for weddings, opening ceremonies, or even giving gifts, the number 14 is generally avoided. You'll often find that buildings in China skip the 14th floor, much like how some Western buildings skip the 13th floor.
Practical Implications of the Superstition
This superstition isn't just a quaint belief; it has tangible effects on daily life and commerce in China. For instance:
- Building Floors: Many apartment buildings and hotels will omit the 14th floor, going directly from the 13th to the 15th floor. This is done to make residents and guests feel more comfortable and to avoid potential negative associations.
- Product Pricing: While not as universally avoided as some other unlucky numbers, you might occasionally see products priced to avoid the number 14 in key digits, especially in areas where the superstition is particularly strong.
- Important Dates: People will often go to great lengths to avoid scheduling important events on the 14th day of any month. This can include choosing wedding dates, birth dates for children (in some cases, parents might even opt for a C-section to avoid an unlucky birthdate), or business openings.
Beyond 14: Other Significant Numbers in Chinese Culture
The concept of lucky and unlucky numbers in China is rich and multifaceted, extending far beyond just the number 14. The belief system is heavily influenced by the pronunciation of the number and its resemblance to auspicious or inauspicious words. Here are a few other notable examples:
Lucky Numbers:
- 8 (bā): This is arguably the luckiest number in Chinese culture. It sounds similar to "fā" (发), which means "to prosper" or "to get rich." Because of this strong association with wealth and fortune, the number 8 is highly sought after. You'll see it used in phone numbers, license plates, wedding dates, and even the Beijing Olympics began at 8:08 PM on August 8, 2008.
- 6 (liù): This number sounds like "liú" (流), meaning "to flow." It also sounds similar to "lǐ" (利), meaning "profit" or "benefit." The flowing nature can symbolize smooth sailing in life and business, making 6 a popular choice for auspicious occasions.
- 9 (jiǔ): This number sounds like "jiǔ" (久), which means "long-lasting" or "eternity." This makes it a very auspicious number for marriages and relationships, symbolizing enduring love and happiness.
Unlucky Numbers:
- 4 (sì): Similar to 14, the number 4 is also considered extremely unlucky because its pronunciation "sì" is identical to "sǐ" (死), meaning "death." This is perhaps the most feared number in Chinese numerology. Many buildings will omit the 4th floor, and people will go to great lengths to avoid it.
- 2 (èr): While not as universally bad as 4, the number 2 can sometimes be associated with being alone or separated, as it sounds like " èr" (二), which can be used in phrases indicating division or incompleteness. However, it can also be seen as representing pairs and harmony in some contexts.
- 5 (wǔ): This number can be tricky. It sounds like "wǔ" (无), which means "nothing" or "without." This can be perceived negatively, implying a lack of something. However, in some contexts, it's considered neutral or even lucky when combined with other numbers.
The power of numbers in Chinese culture is a testament to the deep connection between language, sound, and belief. What might seem like arbitrary preferences to an outsider are, in fact, rooted in centuries of cultural understanding and the desire to invite good fortune and ward off bad luck.
The Nuance of Combined Numbers
It's important to note that the luck of a number isn't always isolated. The combination of digits can create new meanings. For instance:
- 168 (yī liù bā): This is a very auspicious combination, sounding like "yī lù fā" (一路发), which means "to prosper all the way" or "fortune all along the road." This is a popular number for business names, license plates, and phone numbers.
- 520 (wǔ èr líng): This has become a popular way to say "I love you" in Chinese, as the pronunciation sounds similar to "wǒ ài nǐ" (我爱你).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the superstition around the number 14 affect everyday life in China?
The superstition around the number 14, due to its similarity to the word for "death" (sǐ), influences decisions regarding building floors (often skipped), important dates for events like weddings, and even product numbering in some cases. People actively try to avoid it to prevent bringing bad luck.
Why is the number 4 considered even worse than 14 in Chinese culture?
The number 4 (sì) is considered exceptionally unlucky because its pronunciation is identical to the word for "death" (sǐ). This direct and unambiguous association makes it more feared than 14, which relies on a near-homophone. As a result, avoiding the number 4 is a more pervasive superstition.
Are there any instances where 14 might not be considered bad?
While generally avoided, context can sometimes alter perception. However, in traditional and widespread beliefs, the negative association with death is so strong that it's rarely considered positive. Modern interpretations or specific regional variations might exist, but the prevailing sentiment is that 14 is an unlucky number.
How do people in China deal with the number 14 when it's unavoidable?
When the number 14 is unavoidable, such as in a date or a required number, individuals might try to mitigate its perceived negative influence by focusing on other auspicious elements of the situation or by adopting a more positive mindset. For some, the superstition might be less impactful than for others, especially younger generations or those living in more internationalized areas.
