Numbers as a Symbolic System
Hannah Li
Numbers are an omnipresent yet enigmatic presence in daily life. While they serve as fundamental units of measurement and calculation, their significance extends far beyond mathematics. Numbers carry deep-rooted meanings shaped by culture, philosophy, and spirituality. The interpretation of numbers varies between individuals and societies. Some are considered auspicious, others associated with misfortune. Some evoke personal memories, while others hold collective meanings that transcend cultural boundaries.
Numbers as a Symbolic System is a two-part graphic design project consisting of a book and an interactive website that explores the symbolic realm of single-digit numbers (one–nine). This thesis examines numbers’ symbolic and metaphorical dimensions, investigating how and why certain numbers evoke specific associations and whether they can function as symbols beyond their numerical value. The book is organized into nine chapters, each dedicated to one number and examined through four primary perspectives: philosophy and spirituality, mathematics and science, cultural symbolism, and astrology and tarot. Through a combination of visual representations, symbolic metaphors, and analytical insights, the project encourages readers to reflect on how numbers acquire layered meanings across different contexts. The website serves as a dynamic extension of the book, offering additional insights, visual interpretations, and opportunities for user participation.
Numbers as a Symbolic System explores numbers’ profound and multifaceted symbolism, inviting audiences to reconsider the numerical world and reflect on how numbers shape, influence, and embody human thought, belief systems, and cultural narratives.