A number of deep meaning

Numbers take on symbolic status in a great number of cultures both ancient and modern.  The Epic of Gilgamesh is the earliest story on record.  It is a story by the Sumerians that shows how culture was born through an involved series of symbols, some through worded analogies, others through numbers chosen to represent special actions.  One such number was 10, especially for distances in the story.  Another number was 7, used for meaningful forces.  Both heighten the experience of the characters in the story.

Other stories from the old world have survived as well.  The number 3 was important to Egyptians and Akkadians alike because it represented the fullness of the mystic forces early people had no understanding for.  Classical Greek records the numbers 2 for happiness, sometimes discord, and 3 for strength as did the Hebrew records.  Romans lived in a dichotomous world, one world of practical, utilitarian living, the other world for the great secrets of life and mysticism.  Their symbol of strength was the number two, represented by their consuls during the days of the republic and by their founding mythical fathers, twins, Romulus and Remus.  But they also loved the number 10 and its powers of 2 and 3 (100 and 1000) for overwhelming, unbreakable, impenetrable force.

Religion through the ages has also developed its own number values for symbols.  3, 4, 7, and 10 have been their old reliables.  From the Christian age onward, 3 has represented the deity.  Four has represented the four elements of the Earth or the four corners of the Earth, depending on the era.  7 often represented completeness, and 10 represented something with force or something in an absolute form.

For me, the symbolic number is 5.  It doesn't match anything from literature, modern or ancient, but it does symbolize complete happiness and satisfaction from every fiber of my being.   It provides strength during difficult times, vitality during peaceful times.  5 is every bit as significant to me that 3 is to Christendom, 10 is to the Romans, and 7 to the Sumerians.  My life thrives on five.  It is my special number and heightens my experience.