Decoding the Lucky Numbers of Each Zodiac Sign

Lucky numbers have long played an important role in Chinese culture—the Forbidden City is said to have 9,999 rooms. People also consider auspicious numbers when choosing addresses, phone numbers, and even birthdays. Even numbers are generally viewed as more favorable than odd ones. The number 2 signifies harmony, 6 suggests smooth progress, 9—the largest single-digit odd number—represents longevity, and 8 is considered the luckiest of all.

The number 8 is a homophone for “fa” in Cantonese, meaning prosperity, wealth, and status. This belief was once strongest in Guangdong province, but after decades of reform and increased mobility, it has become popular nationwide.

Although these number preferences originated in the south, they are now widespread in the north as well. In Beijing, phone numbers containing multiple 8s command a premium. In real estate, the 8th floor is highly sought after. Buildings marketed to foreign customers often skip the 13th floor, while those aimed at Chinese customers frequently omit the 4th and 14th floors.

Expectant mothers in China may also consult the lunar calendar to choose the most auspicious delivery dates. In Hong Kong, people have long spent money on personalized license plates; in the 1990s, plates featuring the number 8 were reportedly auctioned for as much as HK$5 million.

The number 9, revered in Tibetan Buddhism, is considered especially auspicious for jewelry motifs. The number 7 in Buddhism is also sacred, mysterious, and profound, appearing in concepts such as the Seven Injuries, Seven Rewards, Seven Buddhas, Seven Treasures, Seven Skillful Means, and the Seven Factors of Awakening; stupas are even referred to as seven-story pagodas... The number 3 represents “many” in Chinese numerology, while in Buddhism it signifies the Three Jewels—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. As a result, ringing a bell three times is both a sign of respect for the Buddha and a way to ward off misfortune.

The number 13 is widely considered unlucky in the United States. This superstition is often traced to the Christian Bible’s account of the Last Supper, where Jesus dined with his 12 disciples and Judas—the 13th at the table—betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver, leading to the crucifixion. Consequently, many Americans avoid having 13 people at the same table or serving 13 dishes. Numerous high-rise buildings skip the 13th floor, and if one exists, residents may prefer to call it the 14th for comfort. In the Texas city of Pampa, an amusing story tells of five traffic accidents occurring in quick succession; people blamed poor traffic management until police discovered their patrol car was numbered 13. Believing the number was unlucky, they changed it to 25.

The Book of Revelation in the New Testament refers to 666 as the number of the beast—the devil—seen in the West as a symbol of great evil. In contrast, the film “The Day After Tomorrow” mentions 999 as an unlucky number.

Different zodiac signs also have their own lucky numbers, provided for your reference:

• Aries: 9, 18, 27, 36.
• Taurus: 6, 15, 24, 33.
• Gemini: 5, 14, 23, 32.
• Cancer: 2, 11, 20, 29.
• Leo: 1, 10, 19, 28.
• Virgo: 5, 14, 23, 32.
• Libra: 6, 15, 24, 33.
• Scorpio: 9, 18, 27, 36.
• Sagittarius: 3, 12, 21, 30.
• Capricorn: 8, 16, 26, 35.
• Aquarius: 4, 13, 22, 31.
• Pisces: 7, 16, 25, 34.