The Power of 3
We thought it would be interesting to look at the symbology of various numbers. Here we start with number three.
Number 3
One, two, three, GOThe number three is a fascinating number. It can be a starting number: races are often started with one, two, three, go; it can be a lucky number “third time lucky”; but it can also be an unlucky number – “bad luck always comes in threes”. We are also encouraged to "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" a trinity of advice.
Number 3 in Science
The number 3 is the first odd prime number, being divisible by only 1 and itself. Pythagoras considered it to be a perfect number and it is very near Pi (3.142) and it is the forth Fibonacci number.
Number 3 in Numerology
In numerology the number 3 is considered magical and seen as creative or an invitation.
Number 3 in Religion
The number three is important in many religions and often denote divine perfection.. Christians have the Holy Trinity; The Hindu religion has both the Trimurti and the Tridevi; Buddhism enjoys 3 jewels; there are 3 pure ones in Taoism; Wicca has a triple goddess. Poseidon carried a 3 pronged trident.
In the Bible, the number 3 is used 467 times.
- Jesus was placed on the cross at the 3rd hour (9am)
- 3 hours of darkness covered the land while he suffered between 6pm and 9pm
- Jesus died at 3pm
- Jesus was dead for 3 days and 3 nights
- Only 3 people witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Hermon – John, Peter and James
- Only 3 people were allowed to ask God anything – Solomon (1 Kings 3:5), Ahez (Isaiah 7:11) and Jesus Christ (Psalm 2:9).
- The Bible only names 3 angels – Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer
- In the book of Revelations the new Jerusalem will have 3 gates and 3 unclean spirits will deceive the world.
Number 3 in Stories and Films
3 StoogesThere were 3 Musketeers, 3 Stooges, 3 Amigos and even 3 men and a baby.
Invariably when 3 characters are placed in a story, the third receives the worst deal.
Architecture
Triangles are 3 sided shapes that are the building blocks for many modern designs. Triangles are considered to be the strongest shapes and most resistant to material fatigue.
3 LionsNumber 3 in Sport
Of course England has 3 lions; races are started with one, two, three.
And finally the bingo call for number 3 is – “cup of tea”.
There are 3 prime colours.
We live on the 3rd planet from the sun.
There are 3 parts to time, as we understand it: past, present and future.
3 dimensions: length, width, and depth (or height).
There are the “3 kingdoms”: Animal, mineral and vegetable.
There are three school terms in a year.
Beetleguise
Once upon a time there were three little pigs ... three billy goats gruff
Cerberus, a three-headed dog, and Scylla, a sea monster with six heads. It is curious that mythological heads are inclined to come in multiples of three.
You can make a heart with it <3 or an ice cream cone <3 or a broken heart </3 or a rocketship 3=> or a (special) smiley face 3=
