_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generally have the odd-numbered tickets withdrawn from them before the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.