Chapter 6 Symbols Used For Writing Numbers

Modern writing systems are highly evolved. In other words, they are very old. The Chinese characters, the English alphabet, etc. have undergone great changes over their thousands of years of evolution. It is difficult to understand and follow all of the stages of evolution of writing systems.

The Chinese characters that are used for writing numbers in Chinese and the Arabic numerals that are used for writing numbers in English have evolved through many stages before their present forms. The course of evolution has not been random, but follows a pattern. The current shapes of the number symbols offer great insights into this pattern.

6.1 Direction Of Writing In English And Chinese

In language, speaking (Yang) was '1'st (Yang), and writing (Yin) was '2'nd (Yin). People speak (Yang) by making sounds (Yang), which are heard (Yang) by the ears (Yang) over time (Yang). People write (Yin) by making pictures (Yin), which are seen (Yin) with the eyes (Yin) in space (Yin). Each person learns to speak (Yang) '1'st (Yang) and learns to write (Yin) '2'nd (Yin).

In English, space is '2'nd (Yin). To write in English, symbolically sit down facing the east, the direction of orientation to space (Yin) in English, with a piece of paper on the ground between the body and the east. In space (Yin), horizontal (Yin) is '1'st (Yang), and vertical (Yang) is '2'nd (Yin). In space (Yin), left (Yin) is '1'st (Yang) and right (Yang) is '2'nd (Yin). As horizontal (Yin) is '1'st (Yang), each 'line' of letters on the paper is written horizontally (Yin), from left (Yang in space) to right (Yin in space). As vertical (Yang) is '2'nd (Yin), the 'lines' of the page are written vertically (Yang) from top (Yang) to bottom (Yin). When multiple pages are written, the binding of the pages is on the left (Yang in space), such that when pages are turned, the pages to the left (Yang in space) are in the past (Yang), as they have already been written (or read), and the pages that are in the future (Yin), still to be written (or read), are on the right (Yin in space). (Figure 6.1-1)

123
456
789

Figure 6.1-1

In Chinese, time is '2'nd (Yin). To write in Chinese, symbolically sit down facing the south, the direction of orientation to time (Yin) in Chinese, with a piece of paper on the ground between the body and the south. In time (Yin), vertical (Yin) is '1'st (Yang), and horizontal (Yang) is '2'nd (Yin). As vertical (Yin) is '1'st (Yang), each 'line' of characters on the paper is written vertically (Yin), from top (Yang) to bottom (Yin). In time (Yin), right (Yin) is '1'st (Yang) and left (Yang) is '2'nd (Yin). As horizontal (Yang) is '2'nd (Yin), the 'lines' on the page are written horizontally (Yang) from right (Yang in time) to left (Yin in time). When multiple pages are written, the binding of the pages is on the right (Yang in time), such that when pages are turned, the pages to the right (Yang) are in the past (Yang), as they have already been written (or read), and the pages that are in the future (Yin), still to be written (or read), are on the left (Yin). (Figure 6.1-2)

741
852
963

Figure 6.1-2

6.2 Symbols Used For Chinese Numerals

The characters that symbolize the first ten numbers in Chinese clearly show an evolved organization and pattern.

The simplest complete character in Chinese is . This character consists of a single horizontal stroke. This stroke symbolizes the '1'st (Yang) finger, the index finger, extending from an otherwise closed fist. As '1' is an odd (Yang) number, the left (Yang) hand is symbolized. A single extended finger symbolizes the number '1'. (Photo 6.2-1)

Photo 6.2-1

The Chinese character that symbolizes '2', , is composed of '2' horizontal strokes, which symbolize '2' extended fingers. As '2' is an even (Yin) number, the right (Yin) hand is symbolized. These strokes symbolize the first two fingers, the index finger and the ring finger. (Photo 6.2-2)

Photo 6.2-2

The Chinese character that symbolizes '3', , is composed of '3' horizontal strokes, which symbolize '3' extended fingers. These strokes symbolize the first three fingers, the index finger, the ring finger, and the middle finger. Of the '3' horizontal strokes, the top (Yang) stroke symbolizes the heavens, time, and Yang, and the bottom (Yin) stroke symbolizes the earth, space, and Yin. Between the heavens and the earth, between time and space, between Yang and Yin, is the middle stroke, which symbolizes mankind. As '3' is an odd (Yang) number, the left (Yang) hand is symbolized. (Photo 6.2-3)

Photo 6.2-3

Originally, the Chinese numeral '4', , was written as '4' horizontal strokes. (Photo 6.2-4(1)) How could the finger sign of '4' (Yin) extended fingers be modified to form a character that symbolizes the concept of death (Yin)? Death is a Yin attribute. Therefore, the fingers are oriented vertically (Yin) downward (Yin). When the fingers make contact with the ground (Yin), the index and little fingers outline a box, which symbolizes a coffin. The other two fingers are bent, and resemble the Chinese character that symbolizes the legs of a child. Inside of the coffin are the remains of a dead body, as symbolized by the legs, thus achieving the symbolism of death. As '4' is an even (Yin) number, the right (Yin) hand is symbolized. (Photo 6.2-4(2))

Photo 6.2-4(1)

Photo 6.2-4(2)

Originally, the Chinese numeral '5', , was written as '5' horizontal strokes. (Photo 6.2-5(1)) This symbolized the '5' fingers, and is still used as the finger sign for '5'. How could the finger sign of '5' extended fingers be modified to form a character that symbolizes the importance and nature of the number '5'?

Photo 6.2-5(1)

As the number '5' symbolizes all of the fingers, there are '5' strokes in the character. The '3' (Yang) fingers symbolize Yang, and the '2' (Yin) fingers symbolize Yin. The thumb, index, and ring fingers symbolize Yang, and the middle and little fingers symbolize Yin. The '3' (Yang) strokes that symbolize the Yang fingers are written horizontally (Yang), beginning with the top (Yang) stroke. This resembles the character for '3', . The '2' (Yin) strokes that symbolize the Yin fingers are written vertically (Yin). The '2' (Yin) vertical (Yin) strokes begin from the right (Yin). The '1'st (Yang) vertical stroke is small (small in space = Yang), and connects '1' (Yang) pair of horizontal strokes, the bottom (Yin) pair. The '2'nd (Yin) vertical stroke is large (Yin), and connects '2' (Yin) pairs of horizontal strokes. As '5' is an odd (Yang) number, the left (Yang) hand is symbolized. (Photo 6.2-5(2))

Photo 6.2-5(2)

The characters that symbolize the numbers '6', '7', '8', '9', and '10' still symbolize the modern finger signs.

The character that symbolizes '6' (Yin), , symbolizes the right (Yin) arm extended vertically (Yin) downward (Yin), with the thumb and little fingers extended. The use of '2' (Yin) fingers symbolizes that '6' is an even (Yin) number. The character is drawn as a dot stroke to symbolize the arm, a horizontal stroke to symbolize the wrist, and a dot stroke to symbolize each of the extended fingers. (Photo 6.2-6)

Photo 6.2-6

The character that symbolizes '7' (Yang), , symbolizes the left (Yang) hand held horizontally (Yang), where the thumb, index, and middle fingers are extended and touch. The thumb symbolizes '5', as it is the final finger that is extended in the symbol for '5'. Together with '2' more fingers, this equal '7'. The character is drawn with a horizontal stroke to symbolize the segment from the wrist through the thumb, and a vertical stroke with a bend to symbolize the fingers extending outward from the wrist. An odd (Yang) number of fingers is used, as '7' is an odd (Yang) number. (Photo 6.2-7)

Photo 6.2-7

The character that symbolizes '8' (Yin), , symbolizes the thumb and index finger of the right (Yin) hand extended vertically (Yin) downward (Yin). An even (Yin) number of fingers is used, as '8' is an even (Yin) number. Notice that the left side of the character is slightly shorter than the right side, as the thumb is slightly shorter than the index finger. (Photo 6.2-8)

Photo 6.2-8

The character that symbolizes '8' is a simple character that shows '2' roughly equal sides, as '8' is the most divisible of the first ten numbers. 8 ÷ 2 = 4 ÷ 2 = 2 ÷ 2 = 1. The number '8' is thus the number that symbolizes symmetry. The Chinese were not the only culture to notice this. For example, notice that the English number 8 is also symmetrical in shape, the '8'th letter of the English alphabet, H, is also symmetrical, the '8'th letter of the earlier Greek alphabet, H, which was also used symbolize the Greek number '8', pronounced 'ita', is also symmetrical, and the '8'th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, , pronounced 'het', which was used to symbolize the Hebrew number '8', is also symmetrical in shape.

The character that symbolizes '9' (Yang), , symbolizes the left (Yang) arm positioned horizontally (Yang), with the index finger curled upward. Only '1' (Yang) finger is used, as '9' is an odd (Yang) number. For the character, the left slant stroke symbolizes the segment that extends from the thumb along the wrist, and the horizontal stroke followed by a vertical bend, a horizontal bend, and a hook symbolizes the arm bone, bending at the palm, bending again at the finger, and the hook symbolizes the curled bend of the proximal bone of the finger. (Photo 6.2-9)

Photo 6.2-9

The character that symbolizes '10' (Yin), , symbolizes one 'group unit' of objects. This symbolizes '2' (Yin) fingers. The horizontal (Yang) index finger of the left (Yang) hand, which symbolizes the '5' fingers of the left (Yang) hand, is positioned '1'st (Yang). This is then crossed by positioning '2'nd (Yin) the vertical (Yin) index finger of the right (Yin) hand, which symbolizes the '5' fingers of the right (Yin) hand. (Photo 6.2-10)

Photo 6.2-10

6.3 Symbols Used For Arabic Numerals

The symbols that are used for the modern Arabic numerals also clearly show an evolved pattern and organization. The symbols that are currently used in the writing of the Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0) have evolved greatly over time, and this evolution has followed a pattern. The shapes of the symbols change as people understand them better. It is no coincidence that modern society has developed numbers with these modern shapes.

The extended index finger is '1' long finger, and '1' full segment symbolizes '1'. Yet, the extended finger is composed of '3' bones, which symbolize subdivision. When the index finger is bent, and touches the proximal thumb bone, it forms a small circle, which symbolizes one complete cycle, which is subdivided into parts. The small circle therefore symbolizes '3'. The segment is a Yang symbol, as the finger symbolizes '1', and the circle is a Yin symbol, as the finger is subdivided into '3'. It was noted in Chapter 2 that straight (Yang) is a synonym for good (Yang), and that curved, or crooked, (Yin) is a synonym for evil (Yin). (Photo 6.3-1)

Photo 6.3-1

The tenth number, zero, is a special case, and will be discussed last. The numbers from one through nine are grouped into '3' groups of '3' each. In each cycle of '3' numbers, the '1'st (Yang) number (1, 4, 7) uses only the Yang symbol, the segment, the '3'rd (Yin) number (3, 6, 9) uses only the Yin symbol, the circle, and the '2'nd (Yang and Yin, middle) number (2, 5, 8) uses both the Yang and the Yin symbols. The first cycle of numbers (1, 2, 3) is organized like a Euclidean '1' (Yang) dimensional 'segment', oriented vertically (Yang); the second cycle of numbers (4, 5, 6) is organized like a Euclidean '2' (Yin) dimensional 'area', oriented horizontally (Yin) as well as vertically (Yang); and the third cycle of numbers (7, 8, 9) is organized like a Euclidean '3' dimensional 'volume', with a corresponding orientation.

The first cycle of three numbers (1, 2, 3) symbolizes one finger. One finger symbolizes the Euclidean one dimensional segment. As the segment has length, but no width, the symbols of the segment and the circle are oriented vertically in the numeric symbol. There are therefore three possible positions using one finger, and each is used.

The number '1' is the Yang number of the cycle of 1, 2, 3, and so uses only the Yang symbol, the segment. The symbol for '1' uses '1' segment, whole and unsubdivided (Yang). The entire segment has a value of '1'. (Photo 6.3-2)

Photo 6.3-2

The number '3' is the Yin number of the cycle of 1, 2, 3, and so uses only the Yin symbol, the circle. The symbol that is used for the number '3' is two half circles, oriented vertically. Two half circles = one whole circle = '3'. Since the first three numbers symbolize a Euclidean one dimensional segment, two half circles cannot be next to each other to form a whole circle, as this would symbolize not a segment but an area. (Photo 6.3-3)

Photo 6.3-3

The number '2' is the middle number of the cycle of 1, 2, 3, and so uses both the Yang segment and the Yin circle, oriented vertically. As '2' is an even (Yin) number, it is composed of an even number of symbols, '1' segment and '1' circle. The number '2' is Yin, and uses '2' (Yin) strokes. The symbol for '2' uses one half of a circle (Yin) on top (Yang), and one half of a segment (Yang) on the bottom (Yin). One half of '3' is '1.5', and one half of '1' is '.5'. 1.5 + .5 = '2'. (Photo 6.3-4)

Photo 6.3-4

The second cycle of three numbers (4, 5, 6) symbolizes two fingers. Two fingers symbolize the Euclidean two dimensional 'area'. In order for the symbols for the numbers four, five, and six to symbolize an area, each must occupy '2' connected vertical columns. As the '2'nd cycle of numbers is Yin, and as the first power (subdivision) of '2', 2¹, equals '2', each of the symbols is 'halved' (divided by '2') in size and 'doubled' (multiplied by '2') in value.

The number '4' is the Yang number of the cycle of 4, 5, 6, and so uses only the Yang symbol, the segment. The number '4' is Yin, and is a multiple of '2'. It uses a pair of segments, each of which can be evenly divided into '2'. The symbol uses '4' 'one-half' segments. The four half segments are subdivided into pairs of '2', and one of the two is further subdivided into '2'. The symbol is organized such that there are two vertical columns (to symbolize an area), with one segment connecting the two columns. .5 x 4 = 2 x 2 (each is doubled) = '4'. (Photo 6.3-5)

Photo 6.3-5

The number '6' is the Yin number of the cycle of 4, 5, 6, and so uses only the Yin symbol, the circle. The symbol that is used for the number '6' is one left half circle and one right half circle, oriented horizontally, such that they symbolize an area. Two half circles = one whole circle = '3'. The value of '3' is doubled, equaling '6'. (Photo 6.3-6)

Photo 6.3-6

Notice that when '2' half circles are joined in the numbers '6' and '9', one of the half circles must be made larger. The reason is that if '2' half circles of the same size were combined, they would form '1' whole circle, and so the Yin would become Yang, and that would no longer symbolize Yin. The large circle symbolizes the index finger touching the distal bone of the thumb. As '6' is an even (Yin) number the '1'st symbol is the large (Yin) circle. As '9' is an odd (Yang) number the '1'st symbol is the small (Yang) circle.

The number '5' is the middle number of the cycle of 4, 5, 6, and so uses both the Yang segment and the Yin circle, oriented horizontally as well as vertically. As '5' is a Yang, or odd, number it is composed of an odd number of symbols, '2' segments and '1' circle. The symbol that is used for the number '5' is two half segments and one half circle, with the top segment and the circle in one column and the other segment in a second column. .5 + .5 + 1.5 = 2.5 x 2 = '5'. (Photo 6.3-7)

Photo 6.3-7

The third cycle of numbers (7, 8, 9) symbolizes three fingers. Three fingers symbolize the Euclidean three dimensional 'volume'. The value of each symbol again doubles, making each count '4' times as much as in the first three numbers. In order for the symbols for the numbers seven, eight, and nine to symbolize a volume, each must occupy a skewed relationship that symbolizes '3' geometric dimensions. As the '3'rd cycle of numbers is the second subdivision of '2', and as the '2'nd power (subdivision) of '2', 2², equals '4', some of the symbols are 'quartered' (divided by '4') in size and 'quadrupled' (multiplied by '4') in value.

The number '7' is the Yang number of the cycle of 7, 8, 9, and so uses only the Yang symbol, the segment. The number '7' is Yang. It uses '2' segments, which are subdivided into '4' half segments and then combined in an odd (Yang) manner, grouped into '1' and '3' (1 + 3 = 4). In order to combine '3' segments together, they are oriented on a diagonal, neither vertical or horizontal, and so symbolizing the '3' dimensional volume. This segment has a value of 3 x .5 = 1.5. The fourth segment, the horizontal segment on the top, is not 'one-half' segment, but is one half of one half, or one fourth segment. 1.5 + .25 = 1.75 x 4 (quadrupled value) = '7'. (Photo 6.3-8)

Photo 6.3-8

The number '9' is the Yin number of the cycle of 7, 8, 9, and so uses only the Yin symbol, the circle. The symbol that is used for the number '9' contains two parts of a circle, one left part and one right part. The large part of a circle has the value of one half circle, 1.5. The small part of a circle, the first stroke just as with the numbers 7 and 8, has the value of one half of one half of a circle, or .75. (1.5 + .75) x 4 (quadruple value) = '9'. (Photo 6.3-9)

Photo 6.3-9

The number '8' is the middle number of the cycle of 7, 8, 9, and so uses both the Yang segment and the Yin circle, oriented in three geometric dimensions. As '8' is an even (Yin) number, it is composed of an even number of symbols, '2' segments and '2' circles. The symbol that is used for the number '8' is two segments, each with the value of one half of one half segment, or .25, and two circles, each with the value of one half of one half of one circle, or .75. The top and the bottom symbols, the outside (Yang) symbols, are segments (Yang), and the inner (Yin) symbols are circles (Yin). (.25 x 2) + (.75 x 2) = 2 x 4 (quadruple value) = '8'. To draw an '8' according to the pattern (and not as people usually draw it), draw the segments (Yang) '1'st (Yang); the order of the segments is the top (Yang) segment is '1'st (Yang) and the bottom (Yin) segment is '2'nd (Yin). The circles (Yin) are drawn '2'nd (Yin); the order of the circles is the bottom (Yin) circle is '1'st (Yang) and the top (Yang) circle is '2'nd (Yin). (Photo 6.3-10)

Photo 6.3-10

The symbol of a small circle symbolizes one cycle of '3', which is one half of a complete cycle of '6'. The complete cycle is symbolized by the index finger touching the distal bone on the thumb of the right hand, which forms a large circle 'O'. This came to be used to symbolize the completion of the cycle of the ten fingers, and thus came to symbolize 'ten', and hence 'zero'. (Photo 6.3-11)

Photo 6.3-11