The number 1 has profound and diverse meanings in Chinese culture. From mathematics to language, from traditional culture to modern society, it presents unique symbols and meanings.

As the smallest natural number, the number 1 carries the meaning of origin and uniqueness in Chinese Numerology. At the same time, it is also endowed with authority, unity, a new beginning, and other rich connotations in traditional Chinese culture.

You may often hear that “China Number 1”, which signifies the best performance of the country or its people in fields like sports and economies.

When exploring the various meanings of the number 1 in China, we can not only gain a deeper understanding of the cultural background of mathematics and language, but also appreciate its profound philosophical and social value.

Table of Contents

1. The Origin of the Number 1

Arabic numerals were invented by Indian scientist Baghdad in the 3rd century AD. Baghdad uses a simple system where a circle represents ‘0’, a dot within a circle represents ‘1’, two circles represent ‘2’, and so on.

1 represents a unit or individual. It is the smallest Arabic numeral and the foundation of all Arabic numerals.

As the Arab Empire introduced these numbers from India in the 8th to 9th centuries, Indian numerals were widely disseminated and used in Europe.

From the 13th to the 14th century AD, Indian numerals (Arabic numerals) were introduced to China and were not widely used in China until the second half of the 19th century.

2. The Relationship and Differences between Number 1 and Chinese Character One (“壹”)

The number 1 is the basic number in the Arabic numeral system, while one and “壹” are the local representations of number 1 in Chinese characters. There is an equal relationship between the number 1 and the Chinese character “one” (“壹”).

Due to their different writing styles, they are also used in different contexts and occasions. The Arabic numeral ‘1’ is commonly used in fields such as mathematics, counting, science, and computer programming. The Chinese character ‘一’is usually used to write articles and sentences. The Chinese character ‘一’ is more common in formal occasions, such as finance, printing, and other documents.

3. Is the Number 1 a Lucky Number?

In traditional Chinese culture, ‘1’ is the most auspicious number.

According to Origin of Chinese Characters, ‘1’ delivers the meaning of ‘the beginning of all things in heaven and earth’, representing the origin and primitive meaning.

Therefore, for Chinese, ‘1’ is a metaphor for auspiciousness, for instance, starting from the beginning, returning to the earth in spring, ranking first and foremost, and inheriting the same lineage and outstanding talents.

Among them, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 correspond to birth, aging, illness, death, and suffering in sequence (6 represents life, and so on). In this system, the number 1 is endowed with a symbolic meaning of life.

Especially in terms of the size of the carpenter’s door and the number of words the painter uses to draw the beams in the hall, this rule must be strictly followed.

4. The Meaning of the Number 1 in Chinese Characters

In Chinese language and culture, the number 1 carries multiple meanings in different contexts.

Firstly, it symbolizes authority, principles, and leadership. It is often used as “first place” and “first leader,” highlighting a certain supreme status.

Secondly, the number 1 is also used to highlight the power of unity, symbolizing the common goal and close cooperation of everyone.

In Chinese expression, we can see expressions such as “together” (“一同”), conveying the spirit of cooperation and joint efforts.

Thirdly, number 1 is often seen as a symbol of a new beginning. For example, the Chinese term ‘new year’ is often seen as the starting point of a new journey, symbolizing the arrival of opportunities and hope.

5. The Meaning of Number 1 in Fengshui (Geomancy)

In feng shui, the number 1 symbolizes the tree of Tai Chi and is auspicious. The poem says, “The number of Tai Chi is the beginning of all things, with endless growth and prosperity”.

The number 1 represents the initial elements of heaven and earth, representing independence, positivity, creativity, autonomy, and leadership. This symbol signifies the pursuit of success, prosperity, enjoyment of health and wealth, as well as a double gain in reputation and benefits.

The concept of feng shui has a profound and rich connotation, often associated with auspiciousness, prosperity, career takeoff, and continuous good fortune.

6. The Meaning of 1 in the Chinese Zodiac

In Chinese culture, numbers are often closely related to the zodiac sign. The number 1 represents the Chinese zodiac, mouse. Mouse in the zodiac is also known as “mouse rat”, symbolizing a new beginning.

People born in the year of Mouse usually have keen insight and judgment, and they can quickly analyze and solve problems.

Beyond that, people born in this year also have strong adaptability and can quickly adapt to different environments and achieve success.

7. The Significance of Number 1 in the Chinese Traditional Culture

In traditional Chinese culture, number 1 is regarded as the foundation of all things, representing the origin, root, and source of life.

All phenomena in the universe originate from “Tai Chi”, which generates Tai yi (The One), Tai yi generates Yin and Yang, Yin and Yang generate the Five Elements, and the Five Elements generate all things. In line with Book of Prince of Huainan, one is the foundation of all things.

Therefore, in traditional Chinese culture, 1 has the meaning of the beginning of all things and is a symbol of achievement, status, and honor.

8. The Meaning of 1 in the Book of Changes

In the Book of Changes, the number 1 represents the Chinese character “Qian” (“乾”, meaning heaven diagram in English).

As one of the 64 hexagrams, ‘Qian’ symbolizes the attribute of Yang. Its hexagrams are presented as one line above and one line below, vividly expressing a state of balance and order.

“Qian” (“乾”) represents the shape of the sky and the power of the wind, symbolizing father, strength, motivation, and success.

Besides, “Qian” (“乾”) also mirrors a force that motivates people to pursue success.

9. The Meaning of Number 1 in Buddhism

In Buddhism, the number 1 has two profound meanings. Firstly, it represents the meaning of everything, conveying the concept of unity among all things. Secondly, the number 1 also symbolizes equality and absoluteness, reflecting a state of indifference and absoluteness.

10. The Meaning of Number 1 in Taoism

In Taoism, the number “one” symbolizes the root of all things and represents the initial state of the universe, that is, a universe of unity.

In the Taoist theory of the origin of the universe, there is a saying of “chaotic monism”. That is to say, 1 or one is the perfect state from scratch, that is, existence. Existence is the birth of one. Heaven and earth start from nothing, originate from existence, and become one.

11. The Meaning of Number 1 in Romance

The meaning of the number 1 extends to the field of love.

Firstly, the number 1 symbolizes uniqueness, representing the uniqueness and irreplaceability of each person in love.

Secondly, the number 1 also carries a strong and stable meaning, symbolizing the support and trust between love partners.

Finally, number 1 also signifies a new beginning and creation, representing the determination and courage of romantic partners to jointly build a better future.

12. The Meaning of 1 in Homophones

In Chinese Mandarin, the pronunciation of ‘1’ is the same as ‘yi’, so in numerical combinations, ‘1’ usually represents benefits, advantages, and cost-effectiveness.

For example, 981 (“久发益”, meaning generating benefits for a long time) is an auspicious combination of numbers that means long-term wealth and benefits financial luck.

13. The Extended Meanings of 1 Online

In Chinese internet culture, the number “1” has also been given a new meaning.

In some contexts, the number 1 signifies “yes”, “ok”, and “ready”. Such buzzwords have been widely accepted by people because of their conciseness and convenience.

14. Can I Make Number 1 My Lucky Number?

Of course, many people in life consider their favorite numbers as their lucky numbers. If you like the number 1, 1 can become your lucky number.

However, some people are not very clear about their lucky numbers. If you want to find your own lucky number through some relevant information, you can try the following three methods.

The first method: The widely popular view is that there is a close connection between lucky numbers and an individual’s birth month.

People born in different months may have some connections with the corresponding numbers.

For instance, if you are born in January, the number 1 may be your lucky number. As the beginning of all things, 1 delivers the meanings of creation, wealth, and longevity.

The second method: The final result is obtained by adding and disassembling the numbers of one’s birth date and year.

For example, if you are born on November 23, 2002, then 2+0+0+2+1+1+2+3=12，1+2=3, so the number 3 is the lucky number of people born on this day.

The third method: The result obtained by disassembling and adding the two numbers of the birthday.

For example, if you are both on 8th of a month, 8 is your lucky number; if you are born on 10th of a month, 1+0=1, the number 1 is your lucky number; If you are born on 29th of a month, 2+9=11 and 1+1=2, so the number 2 is your lucky number.

The number 1, as a basic numerical symbol, has rich connotations in different fields and cultures. It is not only the beginning and foundation of the digital system, but also an indispensable part of language, feng shui, traditional culture, and online communication.

The number 1 plays an important role in China’s history and modernity, conveying people’s wisdom, creativity, and emotions, and adding unique charm to the entire cultural system.

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