DO YOU KNOW THAT
Odd Numbers have always been credited with mystic powers capable of influencing the destinies of people; and a curious survival of the idea is to be found in the fact that countrywomen, without knowing why, put an odd number of eggs under their hens in the belief that otherwise no chickens will be hatched?
In addition, we have noticed that books of sweepstake tickets generally have the odd-numbered tickets withdrawn from them before the even-numbered ones.
Number Three.—This number comes in for a considerable share of popularity, even from mythological times, when there were the three fates and the three graces. Shakespeare introduced three witches in "Macbeth." In nursery rhymes, we have the three blind mice. In public-house signs, we frequently come across the numeral "three," and, of course, pawnbrokers have three brass balls.
Number Seven.—Seven is deemed extremely lucky, it being the perfect or mystic number which runs the entire scheme of the Universe in matters physical and spiritual. Man's life is popularly divided into seven ages: the product of seven and nine—sixty-three—was regarded as the grand climacteric, and the age was considered as a most important stage of life.
The seventh son of a seventh son, according to Highland belief, possesses the gift of second sight, and the power of healing the sick. Many people believe that a cycle of seven years of misfortune is likely to be succeeded by another of prosperity.
Number Nine is credited with mystic properties, good and bad. A piece of wool with nine knots tied in it is a well-known charm for a sprained ankle. The cat o'nine tails is a form of punishment not to be taken lightly.
Number Thirteen.—Of this number, everybody can supply instances when it has brought bad luck. But it may be cheering to mention that, in certain parts of the world, thirteen is regarded in quite a favorable light. Whether it is good or bad is a matter for each individual to decide.