What are the lucky and unlucky numbers around the world? All over the world, superstition and traditions have given us various colours, customs and numbers which are considered lucky or unlucky. While there may not be any science behind it, millions of people really believe in these superstitions, and even if you don’t, it can still be fun to pretend sometimes.
Most people will tell you that they have a particular number which they find to be lucky or unlucky, and whether you like to gamble or play games such as bingo, these numbers might have a big effect on your life.
We decided to take a look at some of the most famous examples of lucky and unlucky numbers from all over the world. There are countless myths and legends told of these numbers, and whether you believe in it or not, you might be inclined to test them out the next time you play online bingo.
If you’re looking for more information on how to play bingo or bingo strategies, we have you covered with our full guides here at PlayOJO. For more details on lucky and unlucky numbers, read on.
The Number 7
The number seven has a large influence on the world, where we traditionally use seven days in each week. The number has a lot of meaning throughout history, where it was used to categorise the original seven planets and the seven wonders of the ancient world. In religion, it’s famous for being the number of days it took for the Christian God to create the universe before taking a rest on the seventh day.
The number seven is considered lucky in most of the Western world, and it is often featured in classic slot machines as one of the highest paying symbols. However, it’s not lucky everywhere in the world. In Asia, particularly in China, Vietnam and Thailand, the number is considered bad luck because it’s associated with ghosts and death. In China, the seventh month is considered to be the month of the dead, when the ghost festival takes place.
The Number 13
13 is almost universally associated with bad luck, particularly in the UK, US and other countries with a strong Western influence.
No one is really sure why the number is considered unlucky, but it’s so bad that many streets and hotels will exclude the number completely, going straight from number 12 to number 14. One of the main reason’s why so many people consider 13 to be unlucky is the fact that at the Last Supper, Judas the betrayer was supposedly the 13th person to be seated.
One of the most famous examples of bad luck featuring the number 13 was Apollo 13, which had been due to land on the moon but suffered severe problems that nearly resulted in the loss of the crew. The number 13 isn’t considered unlucky everywhere, however.
In Italy, many considered the number to be lucky as it represents Saint Anthony, the patron saint of finding things or lost people.
The Number 8
The number eight is one of the most aesthetically pleasing numbers, and it’s also considered very lucky in many Asian cultures. China, Vietnam, Japan and many more all consider the number eight to be lucky? Why is that, you ask?
For the simple reason that the word for eight sounds extremely similar to money in their language. As a result, the number eight can commonly be seen in Chinese-themed games and betting sites.
While eight is very lucky across most of Asia, there is one Asian country where it’s considered unlucky. In India, the number is associated with negative people who are lazy and rude. The idea that numbers can influence a person’s character forms the background of numerology.
The Number 3
Three is often associated with good things and good luck. There’s a common saying which goes, “good things come in threes”.
This saying is found across lots of different cultures all over the world, including Sweden, China and more. In Italy, the number is also seen as a lucky and balanced number due to the shape of the triangle. In China, three also sounds like the word for alive and being alive is pretty lucky too.
For some people, the number three might also represent bad luck.
During World War 1, the soldiers in the trenches would say that striking a match three times would bring death, as it would alert an enemy sniper. Thankfully we don’t have to worry about this anymore, but the superstition still persists among some people.
The Number 666
666 is famously associated with the devil in Western and Christian cultures around the world. Supposedly, this is the number of the beast, and as a result, it’s considered unlucky by many. In addition to this, some people also say that six or sixty-six are also unlucky, but this belief is far less common. 666 is one of the main unlucky numbers to avoid.
In China, 666 is pronounced similarly to “smooth going”, and it’s often displayed outside of stores or restaurants as a way of welcoming people inside. While it’s not really lucky, it’s definitely not considered unlucky either, and it has a strong positive association throughout the country.
FAQ
What are the most unlucky numbers?
For most people, 13 is considered the unluckiest number. It’s thought to be related to Judas at the last supper of Jesus Christ, and in many countries, the number isn’t used on streets and hotels. Many people also consider 666 to be very unlucky and is usually avoided.
How will I know my unlucky number?
Some people have personal unlucky numbers, which are usually numbers that come up frequently during bad moments. For example, you might notice that you always have a number three on your losing bingo ticket.
