Why do they consider the number 4, the equivalent of our 13, unlucky in China?

The number 4 is considered unlucky in China because it is pronounced similarly to the word for death (“si”). The Chinese language is full of homonyms, which can lead to confusion and superstition when it comes to numbers. The number 4 is also associated with bad luck due to its association with the four elements of Chinese cosmology: earth, fire, water, and air. These four elements are considered to be in constant conflict with each other, leading to a belief that the number 4 is a harbinger of misfortune. Additionally, the number 4 is often associated with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, a biblical reference that is seen as a sign of impending doom.

In contrast, the number 13 is considered to be lucky in China due to its association with the Chinese zodiac, which is based on a 12-year cycle with an additional year (the 13th) that is seen as a special, lucky year. The number 13 is also seen as a symbol of completeness and harmony, as it is the number of months in a lunar year. As such, the number 13 is seen as a sign of good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture.