5 Days and Money Bags

What do I mean by 5 days and money bags? I saw a post on Facebook today that said “This year March has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. This happens once every 823 years. This is called money bags. So, share this with your friends and money will arrive within 4 days. Based on Chinese “Feng Shui”. The one who does not share…..will be without money.” *snicker* I wasn’t counting on the money, even if I did share (which I didn’t), but once every 823 years? That could be cool.

Lynette M Burrows science fiction author, Lynette M Burrows author of action-suspense science fiction
courtesy of 401 (K) 2013 Flickr commons

Researching the Story

As is often the case, I started chasing this information down to learn more. I typed ‘5 Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays’ into Google and the myth came crashing down. Snopes and Time and Date both reasonably and logically explain that the ‘once in 823 years’ is a myth. Well, drat!

I don’t do chain letters.Nor do I post things that promise me good fortune or love or whatever if I post it (or the reverse, threaten tragedy and misfortune). I recognize that those are superstitions and/or people pulling a gag. Yet, I wanted the 823 years thing to be true. I think a lot of us want things like this to be true. Why?

For some, the need for money is the reason they want to believe posts like this one. There are some folk who need to believe a wish can come true. While both of those needs can exist in any of us, and there may be a whole lot more reasons, it may all boil down to a simpler explanation. We all need to believe there are things, people, and events that are special, unique. We need to believe that we as individuals (and as a people) are special. That need is part of being human. Sometimes we look to other people, events, or things to make us special. That’s where we can get into trouble.

We need places like Snopes and Time and Date to keep us from blindly following a myth or gag into financial or emotional quicksand. But, we also need to feel special. How do we manage that? We believe.

I believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Superman, and that a single hero can save the day. And I believe in the possibility of a once in 823-year event. I believe in me and in you. I believe in being special. Do I believe in 5 days and money bags? In a way, I still believe. And in believing, I feel like I’ve gotten that money bag. What makes you feel special?

16 comments

  1. Those chain letters are annoying, aren’t they? Just like the ones on Facebook that say, “Share to see something happen” or “Comment with the word “Blah” to see something happen. It really works.”

    You’re right though. People want to be part of rare events. Fun post, Lynnette! 🙂

    1. Chain letters, share posts, all those vague internet promises that you will see something, get something wonderful. You are so right — annoying. Thanks, Diana!

  2. That’s so disappointing to hear, I was hoping the 823 years would be true. I think its tough growing up and learning that all the great things we loved as a kid might not be true, hence why we want it to be true. Great post!

    1. I know, Nicole! I totally agree. Kids need to believe in those special things. Thanks so much for stopping by.

  3. What makes me feel special? My hubby. Yep, he does. I love the way he still looks at me after all these years. How he likes to hold my hand and take care of me. I know, I’m spoiled. And that makes me feel special.

    And people like you make me feel special. 🙂

    1. Aw, Karen. Loving one’s hubby or significant other is about the best way to feel special that I know! So glad that you have that kind of relationship.

      And now I’m blushing and can’t think of anything cogent to say, except that you make me feel special, too. 😀

  4. I hate those chain emails, too! I don’t like feeling threatened, as if something bad is going to happen if I don’t do what someone tells me to do. Maybe I also don’t like being told what to do. 🙂 I do love learning about myths and traditions from other cultures, though. Like red envelopes on Chinese New Year and red underwear on western New Year. Those are fun!

    1. That’s it, Emma. It’s a threat veiled in a promise of wealth or luck. I’ll stick to learning about the myths and traditions with you. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

  5. Yep, family and friends make me feel special. And driving my Camaro, weird but true. Stuff like this doesn’t. Funny thing, first thing I thought when I saw that “once in 823 years” was “bummer, three whole weekends in one month should happen more often than that.” So glad it was a hoax!

    1. Jennette, I totally get the ‘driving my Camaro’ part of feeling special. Thanks so much for visiting.

  6. I have to agree those chain emails are quite annoying. I love to hear about rare events and think it’s so cool. At least you checked it out, Lynette, and discovered the truth! Good for you!

  7. What makes me–and probably anyone–feel special is something that’s PERSONAL. Like when you meet an owl in the broad daylight and it turns around and stares at you like you’re the only person in the world. Or when someone you knew a long time ago tells you, to your great surprise, that you’ve had a huge impact on her/him ever since.

    1. You are so right, Gretchen. Personal, and not expected, makes moments special. Great answer!

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