Sophomore chemical engineering major
Our imaginations are often stimulated by odd phenomena. We seem to appreciate coincidences and then attach some sort of significance to them. Some might represent good fortune, while others might be more ominous.
Today, for instance, a coincidence of a repeating number will have most people in awe. Some may even have their alarms set so that they can make their extra-special wish at 11:11:11 a.m. on Nov. 11.
It is interesting to see how the custom of making a wish at 11:11 is now ingrained in our society. Whenever we see 11:11, we refrain from what we’re doing and think of something to wish for. It is inherently a part of who we are as a culture. But where did this originate, and why do we do this?
The origins of making a wish at 11:11 is uncertain, but there are several interesting theories. In astrology and many religions, repeating 11s are considered a sign of good luck and prosperity and often associated with a spiritual presence. The act of praying also could’ve been generalized to making a wish within societies with its initial astrological and religious basis.
However, it is interesting to note that on Nov. 11, 1918 at about 11:11 a.m., World War I came to an end. Granted, the astrological and religious significance of Nov. 11 predated the war, but the resolution of one of the deadliest wars in history may have very well bolstered the significance of the repeating 11s and wish-making custom.
Lastly, a story of a man and wife married on Nov. 11 at 11:11 may also have some influence on the wishing tradition. It was said that they promised each other they would kiss and a make a wish at 11:11 every night before they went to bed. Even after the man passed away, the wife (now widowed) continued to follow their tradition of kissing and making a wish at 11:11.
With so many theories on the history of 11:11, it is difficult to determine the root of our obsession, but it is nice to have some perspective and background on a practice that we follow automatically as a culture.
Furthermore, why we do this is relatively simple to understand. It is an easy out to relieve our stress and problems in life. For a brief minute, we have hope that maybe our wish will come true and our problems might somehow vanish.
But as Thanksgiving approaches, let’s start a new tradition and take a moment to appreciate what we have at 11:11 while making our wish.
Sauradeep Sinha is a sophomore chemical engineering major. He can be reached at ssinhadbk@gmail.com.
