TWELVE

1. Meaning and Significance:

• Integer representing the number 10 plus 2
• Can symbolize wholeness or perfection (as in the 12 zodiac signs)
• Often used in religious or spiritual contexts (e.g., 12 tribes of Israel, 12 disciples of Jesus)

2. Historical and Cultural Connotations:

• Ancient Egypt: Represented by the god Horus and was associated with the sun
• Ancient Greece: Associated with the sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius
• Ancient Rome: Represented by the god Mercury and was seen as a lucky number
• Christianity: Associated with the 12 apostles and the 12 fruits of the Spirit
• Islam: Represented by the 12 imams and is considered a spiritual number

3. Mathematical Properties:

• Composite number
• Factors of 12: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12

4. Practical Applications:

• Calendar: There are 12 months in a year
• Time: There are 12 hours in a half-day
• Measurement: Dozen is commonly used as a unit of measurement (e.g., 12 eggs)
• Electronics: 12 volts is a common electrical voltage

5. Symbolism and Interpretation:

• Wholeness and Completion: Twelve can represent the completion of a cycle or the achievement of a goal.
• Balance and Harmony: The division of 12 into equal parts (e.g., hours on a clock) suggests balance and order.
• Perfection and Destiny: Often associated with spiritual fulfillment and the attainment of enlightenment.
• Negative Connotations: In some cultures, 12 can be associated with evil or misfortune (e.g., the "dozen baker")