Number 5

Meaning of Number 5

Five is the number of balance.

Five symbolizes man, health and love.

It combines the female number two with the male number three. Five is the number of marriage.

The Pythagoreans thought of five as “hieros gamos”, the marriage between heaven and earth.

The Number 5 and the Human Being

Five is the number of the human being.

The number five symbolizes the four limbs and the head that controls the limbs.

There are five senses: sight – hearing – taste – smell – touch.

Astrology and the Tarot

Leo is the fifth astrological sign in the Zodiac. (July 23 – August 23)

Number five is the number of Mercury.

Number five is lucky for Gemini and Virgo.

In the Tarot, five is the card for the Hierophant (the Pope).

The Hierophant symbolizes peace and harmony.

Reversed it indicates vulnerability.

The Five Core Numbers in Numerology

Life Path Number

Destiny Number

Soul Number

Personality Number

Maturity Number

Number 5 – Fun Facts

“High Five” is a social gesture of celebrating.

There are five vowels in the English alphabet.

Pentasyllabic is a pentasyllabic, a word that has five syllables.

In science, Boron has the atomic number 5.

A limerick is a five-line poem, often humorous.

There are five arms on a regular starfish.

An earthworm has five hearts.

Basketball is played with five players on the team.

Five is the number of musicians playing in a quintet.

There are five parallel, horizontal lines in a staff (or some may say stave) which holds parts of music.

A wood anniversary celebrates five years in the western culture.

Olympic Rings

The Five Olympic Rings symbolize the five continents.

Blue ring	Europe
Yellow ring	Asia
Black ring	Africa
Green ring	Oceania
Red ring	America

Coco Chanel – Lucky Number 5

Number five was the lucky number of Coco Chanel. The famous and highly successful perfume, Chanel No 5, was launched May 5, 1922.

“I always launch my collection on the 5th day of the 5th months, so the number 5 seems to bring me luck – therefore, I will name it No 5” – Coco Chanel

The Fifth President

James Monroe was the fifth president of the United States. 1817 – 1825.

He is famous for the Monroe Doctrine stating that European colonization in America would not be tolerated and that the U.S. would not interfere in European affairs.

Monroe was a slave owner, but he believed in a diplomatic end to slavery. He supported the freed slaves’ colonization in Liberia.

Five states were admitted to the Union when James Monroe was President. 1. Mississippi – December 10, 1817 2. Illinois – December 3, 1818 3. Alabama – December 14, 1819 4. Maine – March 15, 1820 5. Missouri – August 10, 1821

The Hamsa Hand

This amulet is very common in the Middle East. It is used by both Jews and Muslims.

The amulets are used as a magical protection against the evil eye. Hamsa means five. The amulet has no little finger, but two balanced thumbs, the eye in the palm protects against the evil eye.

The Jews will often call it “The Hand of Miriam”. Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aron. It may also represent the 5 books of the Torah.

The Muslims will often call it “The Hand of Fatima”. Fatima was the daughter of the profet Muhammad. It may also represent the 5 pillars of Islam.

The Hamsa Hand is often worn by peace activists in the Middle East, as it is a common symbol for both Jews and Muslims.

The Pentagram

Throughout time the pentagram has been used by many as a magical and sacred symbol.

Cut an apple in two across the “equator”. You will find that the seeds in each half form a pentagram.

Eve gave Adam the apple of knowledge, the pentagram became a symbol of wisdom and the power to make choices.

It also symbolizes the figure of a human with outstretched arms and legs.

The Pythagoreans believed the pentagram to symbolize health and light. It was a sacred symbol.

It was the symbol of the Greek goddess of health, Hygeia.

The pentagram represented higher knowledge.

They would also use it as a secret sign to recognize each other.

The Five points symbolize spirit, air, fire, water and earth.

Sir Gawain, a knight of King Authurs Round Table, had a pentagram on his shield. He was said to be “faithful five ways and five times each”.

The pentagram is a symbol of the Bahá’i faith. They call it the “Haykal”, the temple.

The Freemasonry use the pentagram as a symbol called “Blazing Star”.

Turned around with two points up the pentagram symbolizes the devil. Satanists use the pentagram with two points up as their symbol. They use the inverted pentagram with two circles around it and the head of a goat inside it.

It symbolizes, for Christians, the five wounds of Christ. Many Christians also see the pentagram as a symbol of Christ, as “Alpha and Omega”. It symbolizes the star of Bethlehem. This is a symbol of guidance. It is important that the star has one point upwards.

The Luther Rose

There are five symbols in the Luther Rose. The Luther Rose or Luther Seal is a symbol for Lutheranism. It was designed for Martin Luther in 1530.

The cross – faith The heart – love The white rose peace The blue sky- heavenly joy The yellow circle – eternity

David

David was only equipped with five pebbles when he killed the giant Goliath.

“Then he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in his shepherd’s bag or wallet; his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:40.

5 Great Lakes

There are Five Great Lakes on the border of Canada and the United States. The Five Great Lakes are: Lake Eirie – Lake Huron – Lake Michigan – Lake Ontario – Lake Superior.

King for 5 Days

King John I was king of France for only five days. He was king from November 15, 1316 to November 20, 1316. He was an infant king. Many believed his uncle Philip was responsible for his death. His uncle became King Philip V. There were also rumors the infant king had been kidnapped and replaced with a dead baby.

Five Victims

“Jack the Ripper” murdered five women around the Whitechapel district of London in 1888. He was also known as “The Whitechapel Murderer” and “Leather Apron”.

The murders were never solved and the identity of Jack the Ripper/Leather Apron remains unknown.The five victims were:

1. Mary Ann Nichols

2. Anne Chapman

3. Elizabeth Stride

4. Catherine Eddowes

5. Mary Jane Kelly

Guy Fawkes

November 5, 1605: Guy Fawkes was involved in a plan to blow up the House of Parliament in London.

The plot was hindered. November 5th is known as “Guy Fawkes Night” or “Bonfire Night”.

Effigies of Guy Fawkes are burned on bonfires in all parts of the U.K.

Befana the Witch arrives on the 5th of January

In Italy Befana comes on the evening of the 5th of January, Epiphany Eve. She travels on a broomstick and delivers sweets or other gifts to all children who have behaved.

Children who have misbehaved will receive a black candy that represents a lump of coal. In Italy she is known as Befana la Strega (Befana the Witch) or Befana la Vecchia (Befana the Crone).

One legend tells a story involving the Wise Men and an old woman. On their quest to find the baby Jesus following the star, they asked an elderly woman for directions.

She could not give them any clarification on how to find the new born, but did invite them to spend the night in her home. The following morning the three Wise Men invited the woman to join them. She declined.

Later the old woman regretted her decision. She set out to find the baby Jesus bringing along a sack filled with gifts.

The old woman also took her broomstick as housekeeping was very important in her opinion.

To this day she is still rummaging around, but does stop to give gifts to children.

Befana certainly is a kindhearted witch!

Sonnet 5 By William Shakespeare

Hindu Wedding

In many Hindu weddings it is customary to place five auspicious items into the knot of the rope or cloth that is used during the ceremony.

When a couple gets married “tying the knot” literally means tying two loose ends together.

This may be a scarf or a piece of other clothing the bride and bridegroom are wearing or holding.

The five auspicious items are:

Flower – happiness

Coin – money

Durva grass – everlasting love

Turmeric – physical and mental health

Rice – Food

Punch

Punch is named after the Hindu word meaning five. There are five ingredients in punch: water, lemon juice, sugar, spice and spirits.

Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival occurs on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is often called the “Double Fifth”.

This is an ancient festival. It is told that about 2500 years ago the highly accomplished poet Chu-Yuan leaped to his death in the Miluo River. This was a protest act against the corrupt king who had banished him from court.

The villagers were shocked and appalled. They rowed out in their boats on the river and dropped stuffed rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves into the water to nourish and appeal for the well-being of his spirit.

Dumplings are eaten as the traditional food during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Five Elements

In Asia there are five elements: Wood – Fire – Earth – Metal – Water

Saturday Five

When the fifth day of the waning moon in the fifth lunar month occurs on a Saturday it is known in Thailand as the “Saturday Five”. This is an extremely auspicious day.

On Saturday Five many may take their Buddha images to the temple and leave them there until the next day. The monks will chant and give the Buddha images blessing during the night.

The most powerful and auspicious Saturday Five is the one that occurs in in the fifth year of the 12-year cycle.

Gorinto

A gorinto is a five layered pagoda. The name means five rings. It is found in Japan. The gorinto on the picture is used as a grave marker.

The five shapes symbolize of the Five Elements: earth, water, fire, air and either energy or void.

Tomb-Sweeping Day

Tomb-Sweeping Day is celebrated on April 5^th annually in Taiwan. Families will on this day sweep and clean the tomb of their dearly departed relatives.

President Chiang Kai-shek also died on this day in 1975. It is told that a fierce thunder storm broke out moments after he died. The ferocious weather lasted for half an hour. Then abruptly the sky was clear and bright again.

Memorial services are held in his honor on this day.

God of Wealth

The fifth day of the Chinese New Year is devoted to the God of Wealth. He may sometimes be riding a black tiger, holding a golden rod or a tool that can turn iron and stone into pure gold.

Many shops may open with sales on this day.

Sikhism – The Five K’

The Khanda is a symbol of the Khalsa.

Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak (1469 – 1539) in North India.

Sikhs believe the word of God has come through The Ten Gurus.

Before his death Guru Gobind Singh declared he was the final of the human Gurus.

After he died the authority passed on to the Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Granth Sahib is the name of the sacred scriptures.

Khalsa, which means pure, was instituted by the tenth Guru Gobind Singh. Khalsa is initiated by a ceremony.

Sikh men who are initiated in the Khalsa will wear the Five K’s as instructed by Guru Gohind Singh.

The Five K’s are also known as Amritdhari.

These five K’s were set down in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh.

Kangha	The wooden comb – symbolizes moral control and cleanliness
Kara	The steel bracelet worn on the right wrist – symbolizes strength and integrity
Kirpan	Ceremonial weapon – symbolizes courage, readiness to defend the weak.
Kachhera	Cotton shorts, much like boxer shorts – symbol of self-control.
Kesh	Uncut hair – symbolizes saintliness. The long hair is covered by a turban.

The Five Virtues in Sikhism	The Five Evils in Sikhism
Sat	Truth	Kam	Lust
Daya	Compassion	Krodh	Rage
Santokh	Contentment	Lobh	Greed
Nimrata	Humility	Moh	Attachment
Pyare	Love	Ahankar	Ego

Number 5 in Sikhism: The Five Beloved Ones

In 1699 Guru Gobind Singh (the Tenth Guru) was in Amandpur. Guru Gobind Singh addressed a huge crowd of thousands outside his tent.

He drew his sword and asked if anyone was willing to die for their faith. The third time he asked a man stepped forward.

He entered the tent with the Guru. Shortly after, the Guru Gobind Singh came out of the tent with a bloody sword.

He asked for another volunteer. Another man stepped forward and went into the Guru’s tent.

Again the Guru came out with a bloody sword and asked yet again for a volunteer. This procedure was repeated five times.

The crowd was shocked. The Guru Gohind Singh came out of the tent once more.

This time he was accompanied by the five men who were unharmed.

These five men who were willing to die for their faith became known as the Five Beloved Ones – The Panj Piare.

It was on this day the Guru took a bowl of water. Sahib Devan added it sugar crystals to the water.

She was given the name Mata Sahib Kaur and is respected as “The Mother of the Khalsa”.

The Guru mixed the water and sugar using his sword. This nectar is called Amrit. 

He recited the five Banis (Five Prayers).

The Five Beloved Ones were each given five handfuls of Amrit to drink.

The Guru then sprinkled the Amrit on their eyes five times.

They also received five sprinkles of the Amrit on their hair.

The Five K’s were initiated.

This was the first Sikh Baptism ceremony, The Khalsa. Khalsa means “pure”.

Any man who has been initiated to the Khalsa will that day be given the name Singh, which means Lion.

A woman will be given the name Kaur, which means Princess.

The Five Beloved Ones

1. Bhai Daya Singh

2. Bhai Mukham Singh

3. Bhai Sahib Singh

4. Bhai Dharam Singh

5. Bhai Himmat Singh

Number 5 in Islam

The five pillars are fundamental of the Muslim life.

Shahadah	Acknowledge monotheism and accepting Muhammad as God’s messenger. They proclaim: “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”
Salah	The requirement to pray five times every day
Sawm	Ritual Fasting during Ramadan. Muslims in good health do not drink nor eat during daylight hours.
Zakat	Alms-giving
Hajj	Pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. This is expected of every Muslim who is healthy and can afford to make the trip once in their lifetime. Those who fulfill the Hajj are entitled to add “al-Hajj” to their name.

Number 5 in Jainism

Jains started using the open palm as a symbol in 1975. It may have the word “ahimsa” written in it. Ahimsa means non-violence.

Jainism is an ancient religion from India. A Jain is a follower of the 24 Jinas (conquerors), who have shown the way to salvation.

The 24 Jinas, the enlightened ascetics, are known as the tirthankaras.

The latest of the 24 Jinas was Vardhamana, known as Mahavira (Great Hero). He lived from 599 to 527 BC.

Jainism is a strictly non-violent religion. According to the Jains every living soul is potentially divine.

Humans, animals, insects and so on are all in the cycle of reincarnation. The Jains are vegetarians.

Jains believe in karma and reincarnation, but do not believe in a creator god. They believe liberation must be achieved by individuals through their own efforts.

There are about four million Jains in India. They are among the wealthiest in India. Many hospitals, schools and businesses are run by Jains.

Jain monks are called Sadu and Jain nuns are called Sadhvi.

The monks and nuns wear white robes, with the exception of the monks of the Digambara Jains, who are naked practicing complete detachment from all things.

There are two main groups of Jains,the Shvetambara and the Digambara.

The Jain monks and nuns follow the Five Great Vows, known as The Mahavratas.

On the path to complete liberation, the Jains have what they call the Five Supreme Beings.

The Five Supreme Beings are:

Arhats	“the Worthy Ones”, the Great Teachers, Tirthankaras
Siddhas	liberated souls
Acharyas	spiritual teachers who lead the monks and nuns
Upadhyayes	teachers who instruct the monks and nuns in the Jain scriptures
Sadhu and; Sadhvi	monks and nuns

The Five colors of the Jain Flag.

The Jain flag has five colors. Each of the colors symbolizes one of the Five Supreme Beings.

Arhats – white

Siddhas – red

Acharyas – orange

Upadhyayes – green

Sadu and Sadhvi – black or dark blue

The fylfot (swastika) is one of the holiest symbols in Jainism.

It is a symbol of the seventh Jina.

The three dots above symbolize Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct.

The Five Vows in Jainism

	The Five Great Vows	The Five Lesser Vows(Lay people)
Ahimsa	non-violence, cause no harm to any living being	try to avoid destruction of living-beings, not do work that involves deliberate destruction of life
Satya	speaking the truth	truthfulness
Asetya	not taking anything that is not given to them by the owner	not fall for temptations, for example tax-avoidance
Brahmacharya	complete abstinence from sex	only engage in sex within the marriage
Aparigraha	detachment from places, persons and things	give to religious needs

Number 5 in Mythology

The Five Elements in Ancient Egypt

The Ancient Egyptians believed every person was made up of five elements 

Akh	The form the dead had in the Underworld.It was the result of the reunion of the Ka and the Ba.
Ka	The creative life force, it continued to live even after death
Ba	Personality
Name	The name of an individual was considered important for survival
Shadow	It was necessary to protect the shadow from all harm

It was believed that migratory birds were incarnations of the Ba. The Egyptians believes these birds could fly freely between the Underworld and the tomb. 

The physical body of the dead had to be reunited with the Ba in order to survive in the Underworld. For this reason many coffins were decorated with figures of birds.

The Five Rivers of the Underworld – Greek

In Greek mythology there were five rivers of the Underworld, Hades.

Acheron	The river of pain
Cacytus	The river of wailing
Phlegethon	The river of fire
Lethe	The river of forgetfulness
Styx	The river of hate

The Fifth Sun – Aztec People

The Aztec people believed they lived in the age of the Fifth Sun. In the center of their calendar stone is the image of the sun god named Tonatiuh.

He was also known as “the Fifth Sun”.

He is surrounded by symbols of the four previous suns/ages of the world. Tonatiuh required human sacrifice to ensure he would be reborn every morning.