YOUR LUCKY NUMBER

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2425, 6 May 1922, Page 1

YOUR LUCKY NUMBER

FORTUNES TOLD BY FIGURES,

According to all ancient lore, the odd numbers are masculine, the even numbers feminine; and, in addition, the odd numbers were in nearly every case the lucky ones —a notable and general exception being the fatal number thirteen. Three is the most sacred and fortunate of all numbers. In Northumberland it is considered very lucky to gather smooth holly leaves on a Friday in a folded kandercliief (i.e., with three , corners). Nine such leaves tied into a handkerchief with nine knots and placed under the pillow at night would ensure prophetic dreams.

The number four and eight have never held such significance, being looked upon as mere multiples of a female number two, and although five is one of the lucky odd numbers, it has never gathered any superstitions.

Six is unlucky. At first we tire inclined to look upon it as being the double lucky number of the lucky number three, but that was not considered of importance in olden days —the multiple nine, is venerated in the East, being the only allowable variation of the Sacred Three. CHILDREN WHO SUCCEED.

Seven is also a sacred number. According to astrology, Man’s age is divided into seven parts governed by the seven planets. The first was infancy (four years), ruled by the lfioon; childhood (ten years) governed by Mercury; youth (eight, years), over which Venus presided; adolescence (twenty years), ruled by the Sun, when man attains his full strength and vigour; manhood (fourteen years), under the dominion of Mars, a bad star, when man became angry, impatient, and avaricious; old age (twelve years), governed by Jupiter; and finally decrepitude, ruled by Saturn. In regard to children, the number seven is thought influential. The seventh son is certain to make his way in the world, and the seventh son is certain to lie an infallible doctor.

Thirteen, that fateful number, is a striking exception • to the belief in the luck of odd numbers. It is frequently asserted that this superstition arose from the Last Snpper of Our Lord, when thirteen were present; but the belief is far older than liift Chritian era, and also is far too widely spread for such an drigin to be possible. ,