Curse of 39

What it is

The curse of 39 is a widespread belief in Afghanistan that the number thirty-nine brings bad luck and shame. People fear this number because it is thought to be connected to prostitution and pimps. This fear affects daily life, causing distress for individuals whose phone numbers or vehicle license plates contain the digits 39. The belief creates a social stigma that can lead to mockery and financial disadvantage.

Where it comes from

The exact origin of this superstition is not clearly documented. One common story links it to a pimp in Herat who was nicknamed '39' due to his car's registration plate and apartment number. Another theory suggests the number translates to 'dead cow,' a slang term for a pimp. Some believe corrupt police officials spread the rumor to charge fees for changing plates, while others claim car dealers started the myth to buy cheap cars and resell them after altering the numbers.

How it is done

There is no ritual method to perform the curse, as it is an involuntary association. However, people attempt to mitigate the bad luck by altering their identification. Drivers often paint over or tape up the digits on their license plates to disguise the number 39. Some change the shape of the digit 3 to look like an 8. Cellphone owners may hide their caller ID or switch to different numbers entirely to avoid association with the unlucky figure.

Tools and materials

The primary tools involved are personal identifiers such as vehicle registration plates and telephone numbers. These items serve as the visible markers of the superstition. When these numbers appear, they become sources of social friction. People use physical modifications like paint, tape, or sheeting to obscure the digits and protect their dignity from public ridicule.

What it is for

The belief serves as a social warning mechanism within the community. It is used to explain misfortune or to stigmatize certain professions indirectly. While some officials and numerologists try to dispel the fear by citing religious texts, the general public continues to view the number negatively. The purpose of avoiding the number is to maintain social standing and prevent economic loss in transactions involving vehicles.

Who does it

The belief is held by ordinary Afghan households and individuals. It is particularly prevalent in Kabul, where the impact on vehicle sales is most acute. Government officials and traffic department heads have attempted to counter the superstition, labeling it as nonsense. Numerologists also speak out against the fear, arguing that the number has positive religious significance in the Quran.

Peoples and places

This superstition is specific to Afghan culture, with strong reports coming from Kabul and Herat. The stigma affects various demographics, including drivers, cellphone users, and even citizens turning thirty-nine years old. During elections, the number caused violence when candidates were listed at position 39. The belief demonstrates how numerical associations can influence social behavior and economic activity in specific regions.

What people believe

The worldview behind the curse of 39 relies on symbolic association rather than magical action. The number is seen as inherently tainted by its connection to illicit activities. Despite religious arguments that the number appears frequently in the Quran, believers focus on the negative cultural connotations. The fear is so strong that it overrides logical explanations provided by authorities, creating a persistent social taboo.

When it is done

The superstition applies continuously but becomes more visible during specific events. Vehicle registration periods, such as after the Persian New Year in March, trigger anxiety among drivers. Elections also highlight the fear, as ballot positions containing the number can incite violent reactions. Daily interactions with neighbors and strangers reinforce the stigma whenever the number is noticed.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Scholars and officials view the phenomenon as a social construct rather than a magical reality. Traffic department heads dismiss the fear as baseless. Numerologists analyze the number's mathematical and religious properties to prove its neutrality. Media satire programs have highlighted the issue, though this often amplifies the superstition rather than reducing it. The persistence of the belief shows the power of collective anxiety over rational discourse.

Compare and confuse

The curse of 39 is similar to other numerical superstitions like triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number thirteen. Both beliefs assign negative meanings to specific digits based on cultural or historical associations. Unlike triskaidekaphobia, which is often linked to Western history, the curse of 39 is rooted in local Afghan slang and urban legends about crime and morality.

Questions people ask about Curse of 39

Good reading and sources

• The curse of number 39 and the steps Afghans take to avoid itThe Guardian, Article
• Afghanistan: New car plates are 39 steps to shameBBC, Article

• Curse of 39 on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data