Marrying someone exactly 3 or 6 years older or younger is believed to bring unhappiness or misfortune to the marriage.

Avoid Age Gaps of 3 or 6 Years in Marriage

Details

This superstition holds that couples with an age difference of exactly 3 or 6 years—either older or younger—are destined for an unhappy marriage. According to the belief, these specific age gaps are associated with disharmony, imbalance, or even karmic misalignment, though the exact reasons vary by region. Often passed down orally within families or communities, this superstition may influence matchmaking decisions or the evaluation of long-term romantic compatibility. No ceremony or ritual is typically required; rather, it is observed as a precaution when considering a potential partner. Some versions of the belief extend to multiples of 3 (such as 9 or 12 years), though 3 and 6 are most commonly cited. The belief does not carry astrological or religious weight in every culture but can still affect attitudes and decisions, particularly in conservative or traditional societies.

Historical Context

This superstition likely originated in East Asian or Southeast Asian cultures, where numerology and age-related beliefs strongly influence matchmaking and marital compatibility. In particular, Chinese and Japanese traditions stress the importance of balance and harmony within a marriage. The number 3 may be seen as unstable (between yin and yang), while 6, though often considered lucky, can represent imbalance when associated with relationships. In other interpretations, this belief might stem from folkloric caution against selecting a partner with symbolic or energetic mismatches, which could disrupt the harmony essential to family or social structures. Cultural emphasis on astrology, personality cycles, or numerically influenced compatibility may have reinforced this pattern over generations, though pinpointing a singular historical origin is difficult.

Modern Relevance

In modern society, this superstition still persists in parts of East Asia and Southeast Asia, especially among older generations arranging marriages or evaluating relationships. For example, it may be referenced during matchmaking discussions in China, Vietnam, or Thailand as a potential warning sign. On online forums and dating advice columns, some individuals continue to refer to this belief, while others dismiss it as outdated. Among younger generations in urban settings, it is less frequently followed but may still carry subconscious influence – particularly in cultures that place high importance on family blessing or horoscope compatibility. On social media, this superstition occasionally reemerges in posts or quizzes related to zodiac signs or numerology and is sometimes explored critically in discussions around cultural heritage versus modern expectations.

Sources

Chong, K., & Liu, J. H. (2002). Cultural Psychology of Chinese Mate Selection Beliefs. International Journal of Psychology.

Quick Facts

Related Superstitions

A baby’s future career or fate is predicted by the first object they select during a ceremonial setup.

In several Asian and Eastern European cultures, a traditional ceremony is held for babies usually around their first birthday. Known

Why Superstitions Persist in Modern Times

Despite widespread access to scientific knowledge and rational frameworks, superstitions continue to influence everyday behavior across cultures and demographics. From