The most important theories about the possible reasons why the number 7 exists in many myths and religions

The number 7 has been a significant symbol throughout history, appearing in various myths, religions, and cultures. It has been described as the number of perfection, completeness, and divine order. Scholars and researchers have delved into the possible reasons why this number has such an important place in human history, and several theories have emerged over the years.

One theory is that the number 7 represents the seven celestial bodies visible to the naked eye: the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. These bodies were considered by ancient civilizations to be the seven “wandering stars” that moved through the heavens. This theory is supported by the fact that many cultures, including the ancient Greeks, Babylonians, and Chinese, named the days of the week after these seven celestial bodies.

Another theory is that the number 7 is deeply rooted in human biology and psychology. For example, there are seven notes in a musical scale, seven colors in a rainbow, and seven chakras in the Hindu tradition. Additionally, there are seven days in a week, and seven is the maximum number of objects that can be stored in short-term memory for most people. Some researchers have suggested that the human brain may have evolved to recognize and process patterns of seven, which could explain why the number is so prevalent in human culture.

The number 7 also has a significant place in many religions. In Christianity, there are the seven deadly sins and the seven virtues. In Islam, there are seven heavens and seven hells. In Hinduism, there are seven levels of consciousness, and in Buddhism, there are seven factors of enlightenment. Some scholars have suggested that the number 7 may have been chosen for its symbolic significance rather than for any specific numerical value.

One possible reason for the importance of the number 7 in religion is its association with creation and divine order. In the creation story of the Bible, God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. In Hinduism, the god Brahma is said to have seven heads, which represent the seven levels of creation. Additionally, in many religious texts, there are seven days of creation or seven stages of creation.

The number 7 has also been associated with luck and fortune in many cultures. In Japan, the number 7 is considered lucky because it sounds similar to the word for “win.” In Chinese culture, the number 7 is associated with the concept of qi, which is believed to flow through the body and affect health and luck. In Western culture, the number 7 is often associated with good luck and is used in games of chance such as dice and cards.

However, not all cultures view the number 7 positively. In some African cultures, the number 7 is considered unlucky because it is associated with death and funerals. In some Islamic traditions, the number 7 is considered unlucky because it is associated with the devil.

In conclusion, the number 7 has played a significant role in human history, appearing in many myths, religions, and cultures. While the reasons for this may be varied and complex, it is clear that the number 7 has a deep and lasting symbolic significance in human culture. Further research into the cognitive and cultural roots of the number 7 may shed additional light on its significance and meaning.

References:

Barrett, J. L. (2008). Why would anyone believe in God? AltaMira Press.

Buckser, A. (2004). The number seven and the study of African American religion. Nova Religio, 8(2), 47-61.

Frazer, J. G. (2013). The golden bough: A study in magic and religion. Macmillan.

Knott, K. (1996). Hinduism: A very short introduction