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millwaterasiancorner Numbers
Nine – homophone of the word for “long lasting.” Now let’s move on to the next level, what if the numbers are combined? For example, 28, “easy wealth” – can’t be luckier than that! On the other hand, 24 is considered unlucky. Although 2 is a positive number when appearing individually, when combined it means “easy death”. Based on this “formula,” can you work out if the number 528 is lucky or unlucky? You can now see a number that contains 8 does not always means lucky; it really depends on which numbers it is combined with.
A while ago there was a property article in the newspaper, talking about how to attract Chinese buyers, where it said Chinese like street numbers with 3 and 8 but avoid 4, and now I am going to reveal the reasons behind. Ta-dah! First, let’s look at some numbers individually. Two – means a pair, which is a very lucky symbol in Chinese culture, also homophone of the word for “easy.” Three – homophone of the word for “birth, life.”
In China, restaurants often offer set menus with the price $288, $333, $888 etc., to attract customers. Conversely, the commercial building where I worked in Hong Kong has floor numbers 4, 14 and 24 skipped – actually quite a common marketing strategy. Of course, not everyone is superstitious about numbers. In our household, for example, we are a Christian family, so we never care what street number we are living in, nor desire for a lucky phone number; but when we dine out with other people we still avoid ordering seven dishes on the table, to show respect for others.
Four – homophone of the word for “death,” obviously an unlucky number.
An interesting story from my husband. His late grandmother always bought fruit in units of 6 – she either brought home 6 oranges or otherwise 12!
Five – homophone of the word for “no, nothing,” another unlucky number.
Finally, I want to say 3186 to theMillwatermag! *note: 3186 is homophone of “Happy Birthday” in Mandarin.
Six – represents “good thing will keep coming.” Seven – at a funeral, people will order seven dishes on the table to share, therefore Chinese never order seven dishes in a restaurant. Keep that in mind when you visit a restaurant with Chinese! Apart from this, seven is quite a neutral number in daily life.
Nita Wong Originally from Hong Kong, 20+ years ago Millwater resident
Eight – I guess most of you may know it is a super-lucky number for Chinese, as it is homophone of the word for “wealth.” If you see a car with many 8’s on the rego, there is a very high chance it is owned by a Chinese.
Know something that we don’t?
If you’ve got information that may be topical or of interest to Millwater residents, we’d love to know! Please get in touch with Sarah on 09 426 6155 or email sarah@themillwatermag.co.nz
