7 in Different Cultures: Symbolism and Meaning
Numbers, like words, have significant cultural importance. Every number has a unique symbolism and meaning specific to each culture. Understanding these cultural differences in numbers can help us to gain a better understanding of the people who utilize them.
In this article, we will explore seven in different cultures, its significance, and symbolism, and how it impacts the community’s daily lives.
Seven in Christianity
In Christian theology, number seven is significant because it represents perfection, completeness, and the divine. God created the world in seven days. Seven appears in the Bible many times, most notably in the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven churches in the book of Revelation. Christians also use the number seven to denote the seven sacraments.
Seven in Hinduism
As per Hindu mythology, seven is a powerful number. The seven horses drawing the sun god’s chariot represent the seven days of the week, and the various colors of the horses represent different aspects of life. The seven sages (Saptarishi) represent the seven colors of the rainbow and the seven chakras. Seven also represents the seven musical notes or swaras and the seven incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Seven in Islam
In Islam, seven is of great importance. The followers of Islam make the pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj, which comprises seven circuits around the Kaaba. Muslims also believe in seven heavens and seven hells. Additionally, the seventh day of the week, Juma, is considered the luckiest day in Islam.
Seven in Judaism
Seven is one of the most important numbers of Judaism and symbolizes creation, harmony, and holiness. God created the world in seven days; thus, it denotes completeness. Seven appears frequently in Jewish life. During Passover, seven candles are lit on the menorah, and the celebration lasts for seven days.
Seven in Chinese culture
In Chinese culture, seven (qī) is also an important number and connotes togetherness, harmony, and luck. Seven is a combination of yin, which represents feminine energy, and yang, which represents masculine energy. The lotus, the symbol of enlightenment in Chinese culture, usually bears seven petals. Chinese lunar calendar also has seven days a week.
Seven in Native American culture
Native American cultures associate seven with direction, the natural world, and cycles. Seven is significant as it represents the seven directions; East, West, North, South, Above, Below, and Within. Seven is also associated with the spirits of animals signifying balance and the cycles of nature.
Seven in Western culture
Seven has a significant influence in Western culture as well, representing perfection, completion, and wholeness. Seven colors of the rainbow, seven wonders of the world, seven deadly sins, and seven virtues are a few examples. Seven also represents the seven ages of man in Shakespeare’s plays.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, numbers play an essential role in culture and society, and seven is not an exception as it carries significant symbolism and meaning for different cultures. Understanding these cultural differences can offer valuable insights into the societies that use them.
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