Number 9 is sometimes pronounced ku — with the same pronunciation as agony or torture. Combs (kushi) are rarely given as presents as the name is pronounced the same as 9. Due to these unlucky connotations, the numbers 4 and 9 are often pronounced yon and kyuu instead.
Number “9” is Considered as “Suffer” in Japan
The reason why number 9 is considered as an unlucky number in Japan is because number 9 is “苦” in Chinese character. The meaning of “苦” is as follows: ・”苦” means “suffer” in Japanese and we pronounce it as “ku” in Japanese.
In Japan, the two main lucky numbers are seven (七) and eight (八). Curiously, unlike four, the reasons behind the two's luck have nothing to do with their pronunciation. Seven is a lucky number in Japan largely because of its significance in Buddhism. Additionally, seven is used with the Seven Gods of Luck (七福神).
We can say that Number 9 is a fortunate number as this number brings a prosperity, happiness and good luck in life. Number 9 is associated with Mars and its a powerful number but the people who are born on the dates 9, 18, 27 have an aggression issue as they easily get angry on small things.
Eight (八, hachi, ya) is also considered a lucky number in Japan, but the reason is different from that in Chinese culture. Eight gives an idea of growing prosperous, because the letter (八) broadens gradually.
Number 9 is sometimes pronounced ku — with the same pronunciation as agony or torture. Combs (kushi) are rarely given as presents as the name is pronounced the same as 9. Due to these unlucky connotations, the numbers 4 and 9 are often pronounced yon and kyuu instead.
It is known that Japanese tend to be superstitious. There are certain things or circumstances that are uniquely explained sometimes through superstitious beliefs. One of those things are the concept about Lucky Numbers! Did you know that the number 3 is considered as one of the lucky numbers in Japan?
The numbers 8, 2, 6, and 9 are the favorite lucky numbers of most Chinese people. Combinations of the above are deemed as lucky numbers too, such as 66, 88, 168.
As the final numeral, the number nine holds special rank. It is associated with forgiveness, compassion and success on the positive side as well as arrogance and self-righteousness on the negative, according to numerologists.
The number 9 is revered in Hinduism and considered a complete, perfected and divine number because it represents the end of a cycle in the decimal system, which originated from the Indian subcontinent as early as 3000 BC.
9: Just as the number four has a bad-luck soundalike in Chinese, 9 is feared in Japan because it sounds similar to the Japanese word for torture or suffering.
Red is the royal color of imperial Japan and is used to symbolize power. It is a lucky color used in Japanese architecture and Shinto shrines.
Japan uses Japan Standard Time, which is the standard time zone for Japan and is UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)/GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) +9 hours.
9: In Chinese, nine is pronounced jiu, which also means “long lasting.” As the highest single digit, it represents the maximum level of mortal happiness, longevity, and good luck.
Historically, Chōyō no sekku was observed according to the Chinese lunar calendar, and is now marked annually on September 9th. Chōyō no sekku is also known as the Chrysanthemum Festival, for the blossoming autumnal flower that represents youth and longevity in the face of the oncoming winter.
Numerology: In numerology, which is the study of the spiritual and mystical significance of numbers, the number 9 is associated with creativity, humanitarianism, and philanthropy. People born under the number 9 are said to be artistic, compassionate, and focused on helping others.
The number 9 gives the energy for completion. It imbues the vibe of giving, loving, generosity, wisdom and compassion. The 9-number house is considered fortunate for those ending a major phase of their lives.
The first few perfect powers without duplications are 1, 4, 8, 9, 16, 25, 27, 32, 36, 49, 64, 81, 100, 121, 125, … (OEIS A001597).
Similar to many Asian cultures, specific numbers are said to be associated with luck and prosperity. In Korea, numbers like 8, 9, and 3 are often considered lucky.
The number 9 represents wealth, accomplishment, and attaining personal goals. It is also an important number in Chinese Feng Shui because it signifies the fullness of heaven and earth.
Lucky number 7 is even the basis for many myths and folklore. Ancient beliefs from around the world believed that the seventh son of the seventh son would be gifted with magical powers (both good and evil).
Japanese Superstitions About The Number 4
If you've already read Viet's article on Foureign (har har har!) superstitions, hopefully this section doesn't bore you to death (har har har har har!). The quick version of why the number four is unlucky is that it sounds just like the word for death (shi 死 し ).
There are six numbers that are considered unlucky in the Japanese culture and they are 4, 9, 13, 42, 43, 49. Number Four (4) — The number 4 is considered unlucky because it shares the same pronunciation as death Shi for that reason, the number is usually avoided by some Japanese people.
Seven is an important number in Buddhism. Japanese Buddhists celebrate a baby's seventh day and mourn the seventh day after a person dies when the soul is said to cross over. Do you know your math in Japanese? In Japanese folklore there are the Shichifukuin (七福神 – the Seven Gods of Luck).