Article | Facts and Myths around Forty

Facts and myths around Forty

Dr. Mrinal Chatterjee

Is there anything magical or significant about the number forty? This is the question many people asked as the Union Govt. extended the lock down period to 3 May- making it 40 days. As it usually happens- there have several posts on social media about the magical quality of ’40 days’. Most of them are plain bull-shit- figment of imagination and hearsay.

However, there are significances of the number 40- like all other numbers have. In the context of Corona- and quarantine- the number forty assumed centre stage, because etymologically the word means forty.

Persian scholar of medicine, IbnSina (980-1037) suspected that some diseases spread by microorganisms. To prevent human to human contamination, he came up with the method of isolating people for 40 days. He called this al arba’iniya, the forty. Traders of Venice heard of his success and practiced it. Ships arriving in Venice from infected ports were required to sit at anchor for 40 days before landing.They called it ‘quarantena’, the forty in Italian. This is where the word ‘quarantine’ comes from.

‘Forty days’ has been used in astronomy for practical purpose. Early astronomers used it to measure and meter out the rate of each passing solar year. In fact it is remarkable that the time track of a cycle of 40 days can be used to very effectively (almost perfectly) measure and meter out the rate of each passing solar year. (See this to know more: https://design-of-time.com/forty.htm)

Forty days has religious significance in many religions. Christianity uses forty to designate important time periods. Jesus fasted in the desert for exactly 40 days and nights, while in the dessert he was tempted by the devil (temptations). Buddha also fasted for exactly 40 days and nights in the wilderness and is tempted by evil spirits (temptations).
Even Prophet Mohammed had fasted for 40 days in a cave and so have many Saints and Yogis. MullaHusayn (of Bahai Faith) spent 40 days fasting and praying before leaving Karbala.

Muslims fast and pray for 40 days during the Ramzan period. So do Christians during the 40-day Lent season, before Good Friday and Easter.
Devotees of Swami Ayyappa visit Sabarimala in Kerala after observing strictly 40 days fasting.

The Sindhi Hindu community commemorate a festival of thanks to God called Chaliha Sahib. It lasts for 40 days during which time devotees avoid: cutting their hair, wearing clothes washed by soap, drinking milk, eating fried food and wearing shoes.

Zoroastrians also have a 40 day formula for having prayers answered. It is known as the “Chalisa” or The 40 Day Ritual.

In Hanuman Chalisa, the word chalisa is ‘chalis’ meaning 40. It contains 40 stanzas and devotees of Lord Hanuman recites these 40 stanzas for 40 days.

However, all these do not bestow any magical power to the number 40. So don’t expect magic remedy. Believe in science, reason and logic.

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The author is a Journalist turned media academician. Opinions expressed are his own.

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