Avia Collinder, Outlook Writer
"Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six."
- Rev 13 verse 18
We have all seen the slasher films, and in everyday life, the utterance of the numbers 666 - said to be the mark of the devil - is enough to merit a few seconds of fearful silence.
On the other hand, there are numbers which some people embrace with great love and belief, such as the number seven.
From the seven days of creation to the seven seals of Revelation, scripture is saturated with the number seven and many will swear that not only is it God's perfect number, but it will bring luck.
Such good fortune is attached to the number that on July 7, 2007, about 65,000 couples in the United States got married.
Since 7/7/07 only happens every 100 years and seven is considered a lucky number, couples were hoping to hit the jackpot in luck.
Numerology
And, so enamoured are others of numbers that they have turned to numerology to guide their daily lives.
Numerology looks at the mystical relationship between numbers and physical objects or living things. Today, numerology, alongside astrology, is often associated with the occult.
The general culture continues to hold some numbers dear and to fear others, such as Friday the 13th - helped along by numerous movies on the subject.
A Friday occurring on the 13th day of any month is considered to be a day of bad luck in English-, German-, Polish- and Portuguese-speaking cultures around the globe.
Similar superstitions exist in some other traditions. In Greece or Spain, for example, Tuesday the 13th takes the same role. In Russia, the unlucky day is Monday.
Many modern stories (including The Da Vinci Code) claim that when King Philip IV had many Knights Templar simultaneously arrested on Friday, October 13, 1307, that started the legend of the unlucky Friday the 13th.
Luck to lottery players
In local Jamaican culture, numbers are also known for bringing luck to lottery players. Many ardent Cash Pot fans walk with their book which tells them the signs and numbers.
For example, if someone behaves madly or you see a madman, the number to play is 27. If you are offered medicine, the number is 24. If you see a baby drinking milk, the number is 1.
Those who are born on specific birthdays are also said to have 'lucky numbers'. For men and women who rule the under sign of Leo, July 23 to August 22, lucky numbers are said to be 3, 6, 17, 19, 23 and 26.
But just as it is in other cultures, some Jamaicans have tales about certain numbers. It is said that people who go to the obeah man report that they are spun seven times by this man; there are those who are fearful of the '11-step' courthouses and the question is asked, 'Why is it that hotels do not have 13 floors?'
One local counsellor opined that numbers have no real power, but that the belief in numbers might bring results which are out of the ordinary.
"Belief kills and belief cures," he chuckled.
Partial Information Source: www.wickipedia.com
How important are numbers to you?
Treshagaye Hill, law student: I believe that certain numbers have a temperature. All even numbers are warm with the exception of six, which is a hot number. On the fourth of the month I always feel good. I was actually born on the fourth and I particularly like the number four. I also love the fourth day of the week, which is Wednesday. I also love four o'clock in the afternoon. I am at my best in April, which is the fourth month. Four is significant for me.
Glenford Smith, counsellor: There is no special number. It's according to your belief. According to your belief, so be it onto you. Belief has power. Personally, I do not subscribe to that (special numbers and their power).
Myrtle Barton, businesswoman: In God's scheme of things some numbers do have significance. Seven is perfection, completeness and wholeness. Three is also a number signifying the completion of things. Where astrology is concerned, in my personal view and experience my church does not believe in it - I think there are some significances. There are times and seasons created by God. I have experienced that people born under certain times seem to be similar in behaviour. But, I would not get up and plan my life around the horoscope.
Clive Clarke, store manager: There is a significance to numbers, but to put one's confidence in them is folly. Take the number 666. No matter where you look, nobody wants it. I have that number on my supermarket card and I dislike it. Anything having to do with 666, you tend to shy away from. Numbers must be significant because what is our life but time. So, to put significance to time is not irrational, but to put your full confidence in numbers is not good. Trust in the Almighty.
