In different cultures around the world, some numbers hold special significance. One such number is seven. From religion to mythology, the number seven can be found in many aspects of human history. In this post, we will delve into the symbolism and importance of seven in different cultures.
Seven in Western Culture
In Western culture, the number seven holds religious significance. In the Bible, God created the world in seven days, with the seventh day being the Sabbath. Additionally, there are seven deadly sins and seven virtues. Seven is also considered a lucky number in Western culture.
Seven in Eastern Culture
In contrast, in Eastern culture, seven is often considered an unlucky number. In Chinese culture, the pronunciation of the number seven is similar to that of the word for “dead.” Similarly, in Japanese culture, the word for “seven” sounds similar to the word for “painful.” However, there are also instances of seven being a lucky number in Eastern culture. For example, in some Japanese shrines, visitors can purchase omikuji (fortunes) that are numbered from one to seven.
Seven in Ancient Egyptian Culture
In Ancient Egyptian culture, there are several references to the number seven. The god Osiris was believed to have been dismembered into seven pieces, which his wife, Isis, then reassembled. Additionally, there are seven Hathors, who are goddesses of fate and fortune.
Seven in Islamic Culture
In Islamic culture, there are also references to the importance of seven. Muslims are expected to circumambulate the Kaaba (the cube-shaped building in the center of the Grand Mosque in Mecca) seven times as part of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Additionally, there are seven heavens and seven hells in Islamic belief.
Seven in Hindu Culture
In Hindu culture, the number seven appears in many instances. There are seven chakras (energy centers) in the human body, and in Hindu astrology, there are seven planets. Additionally, many Hindu festivals are celebrated over seven days.
In conclusion, the significance of seven varies depending on the culture and context. From religious beliefs to mythology, the number seven appears in many aspects of human history. Understanding the symbolism of numbers can provide insight into the beliefs and values of different cultures.
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