When 0 (Zero) is Considered Inauspicious…

Zero is a unique number that makes zero, if it’s multiplied with any number. Zero by itself has no value, but it’s a very selfless digit. If kept along side another digit, it increases its value. As the money increases, the number of zeroes also increases-
10
100
1000
10000 and so on…

But in India, that invented zero, it’s preferable to add 1 instead of 0 at the end, when it comes to give or receive money, e.g.
11
51
101
1001
5001
10001 and so on…

Number 0 (Zero) is considered inauspicious. In Hindi, Zero is called Shunya that means a void, a state of nothingness, a state of Moksha (Salvation). Therefore, at the end of whatever is given or taken, there should be 1 (unity) and not 0 (emptiness) as per Indian culture and traditions.

Rounded numbers like 500, 1000, 2000 etc are considered stable numbers and are not supposed to increase or decrease, showing no trend. But then the continuous change is the nature of life, and we desire changes for the betterment, for the prosperity and growth.

When we add 1 to an amount, it signifies a growing trend. So when we give money in the form of gift or otherwise, we wish that the amount being so given should increase and thus bring prosperity and happiness to the receiver.

51, 101, 501 etc are prime numbers or multiples thereof. Prime numbers are considered as strong numbers that can’t be broken easily. It signifies, “this bond will not break easily.”

This is precisely the reason that
on the solemn occasion of marriage, when two bodies and souls come together to unite for leading the future life together, cash gift in the form of Shagun is given in a number that can’t be split or divided.

This odd sum (indivisible) of money advises the newly wed couple symbolically that both of them are now a single entity and their bond is inseparable, and their resources and expenses are to be shared without dividing the same.

Though the custom of adding rupee one while giving cash gifts started with marriage, it’s now followed on all auspicious occasions like festivals, birthdays, inaugurations etc. The reason is simple. In a gift amount of Rs 501 for example, the amount in round figure, i.e. Rs 500 means for spending or saving, but the extra buck is considered a good omen. It’s considered the seed to grow, to be invested or given in charity.

We believe that the number 1 symbolises the initiation and so it’s an auspicious number. That’s why we never add one rupee and invariably give Rs 500, 1000, 5000 etc in case of rituals like death ceremony or death anniversary, as death is considered an unfortunate event in the life.

As a marketing strategy, we have seen companies like Bata pricing their shoes at Rs 999, Rs 1599, Rs. 3099 etc. Why? Because, it gives a psychologicsl impact that 999 is less than 1000, while 1001 is more than 1000. So people prefer to pay less, at least psychologically. After all, marketing is a different ballgame altogether.

Incidentally both 0 and 1, which we have talked about, are binary digits or bits of binary numeral system, the primary language of computers. Why? Computers don’t understand language or numbers in the same way as we do, so these two simple numbers are sufficient for them to communicate, as we do with the amount of gift.

–Kaushal Kishore

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