Yes, it's that time of year again. Today this year, it's the 77th independence day of Indonesia, my birthplace and current residence. 77 is a neat number, as it's made up of two of the same digit. For many of those who live in the country, however, there are a few more important numbers for the occasion, and taken together, they constitute the patriotic numerology. That same numerology can also be applied to Pokémon, with some interesting results.
For the occasion, the important numbers are 8, 17, and 45. They are in order the month, the date, and (the last two digits of) the year of the independence. From these, other significant numbers can be derived. For example, the country code for dialing phone numbers is +62, because those who registered the country code opted for 17+45 in order to have an element of those numbers. Concatenations of the numbers can apply equally well, especially as it will become evident soon enough. The patriotism remains in the spirit of those three numbers.
Something that in Pokémon is popularly identified (referred to) by numbers are the individual Pokémon species by the National Dex. In recent years, it has become a bit of a brouhaha, but it still remains an easy and definite reference. By the numbers above, they refer to Wartortle (#8), Pidgeotto (#17), and Vileplume (#45). Various additions of the numbers then result in references to Pikachu (#25, 8+17), Persian (#53, 8+45), Poliwrath (#62, 17+45), and Weepinbell (#70, 8+17+45), where the first of these is a "perennial staple" for Pokémon. Since the numbers are relatively small, many first-generation Pokémon are obviously referenced.
Concatenating the numbers and their additions, they result in the species of Xatu (#178, 17&8), Mudkip (#258, 8+17&8), Mantyke (#458, 45&8), Throh (#538, 8+45&8), Braviary (#628, 17+45&8), and Phantump (#708, 8+17+45&8) for species prior to the eighth generation from Galar. The latter then has Drizzile (#817, 8&17), Dottler (#825, 8&8+17), Cramorant (#845, 8&45), Grapploct (#853, 8&8+45), Obstagoon (#862, 8&17+45), and Falinks (#870, 8&8+17+45). Overall, with the above, they represent a motley crew that is famous in various aspects of Pokémon, including the games and anime.
A few things can also be picked out. Braviary is a bird Pokémon that has certain similarities to the national symbol and may be regarded as complementary; the same is true of Throh with its red and white coloring, which needs no introduction (see the post five years ago below). Falinks might also be regarded as similar to the marching soldiers or troops that are often present at around this time. Coupled with the "perennial staple" as above and the rest representing people of various kinds, it seems real celebratory indeed.
Numerology can yield interesting results with numbers that are as exotic as they are relevant, and for today's occasion, that interest is patriotism. The Pokémon species that satisfy those exotic numbers then might just be of interest to those who like Pokémon, like me, and desire to find their relevance in real matters like today in addition to imagined ones.
Today, though, there is no need to imagine independence for Indonesians. Happy Independence Day.
One year ago: Sparkling, Shining for the World
Two years ago: Rise Up and Live, with Body and Soul
Three years ago: ...And Social Justice for All
Four years ago: United in Diversity
Five years ago: Red and White Philosophy
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