Chinese Lucky Numbers and Gordon Brown's Numerology Report

I thought it would be interesting to compare notes and see which numbers the Chinese consider to be lucky. The Chinese believe that certain numbers are luckier than others and while some consider these beliefs to be little more than superstition, others spend a fortune paying for numbers (phone numbers, licence plate numbers) etc. that they believe to be lucky.

As a general guide, the Chinese believe that even numbers are lucky and odd numbers are unlucky. If only it were that simple! The most popular method for deciding which numbers are lucky and which are not is to compare them to Chinese words which sound the same. If for example the number sounds similar to a fortunate Chinese word or phrase, then that number is considered lucky. However if the number sounds like a Chinese word that means something bad (death, end, illness, poverty etc.) then it is considered an unlucky number.

This is clearly a system riddled with flaws due to the differences in how words sound in different Chinese dialects. Not to mention the confusion arising if a number sounds like both positive and negative words. The result of the ambiguity is that you will find different regions of China have different ideas about what number is lucky and what is not.

Confused? I know I am!

The good news is however that there is one number largely believed to be lucky by most Chinese people and that is the number 8. This number is believed to be lucky due to its symmetry. Symmetry is related to balance and in Chinese culture balance is the ideal state.

Some wealthy Chinese folk have gone to enormous lengths to harness the power of lucky number 8 and spend a fortune (in the hundreds and thousands in some cases) to buy phone numbers with 8’s and so on. In a place called Hang Zhou a man put his car licence plate of A88888 up for sale, asking a whopping $164,000! Ouch! Meanwhile the 2008 Summer Beijing Olympics opened 8/8/8 at precisely 08:08:08 hours.

The 8th of August 2008 also proved to be a record date in terms of Chinese weddings. In Western culture the equivalent lucky number is 7, and in the west a record number of weddings were held on the 7th July 2007.

We may think China’s system of deciding lucky numbers is a tad vague but no more so than any other system which is after all not proven but serves to amuse, entertain and beguile us with a series of mysterious coincidences which we hope to harness for our own benefit and profit.

Gordon Brown numerology report for May 2010

James Gordon Brown 20 .02.1951

With the general election looming I wonder what is forecast in Gordon Brown’s numerology report for May 2010!

According to Gordon’s numerology report May 2010 is an excellent time to take time off work and enjoy a vacation. Time to get in touch with his inner self no less. It also suggests changes are felt on the horizon, unanticipated changes. A period of ‘limbo’ while he wonders what lies ahead.

This could be read either way in terms of an election victory or loss. I was thinking it was erring towards a loss but the remainder of the report suggests this is a fortunate time for Gordon and that being in the right place at the right time will work in his favour. It also says he’ll be more attractive to the opposite sex at this time but I think we’ll ignore that ay ladies!