What Do Fortune Stick Numbers Mean? A Complete Guide

How fortune stick numbers work

Wong Tai Sin fortune sticks are numbered 1 through 100. Each number corresponds to a unique classical poem, a historical story, and a grade. The number itself is not lucky or unlucky — it is simply an identifier that connects you to a specific reading.

What determines the meaning?

Three things give each stick its meaning. First, the grade: Best (上上), Great (上吉), Good (中吉), Fair (中平), or Poor (下下). Second, the poem: four lines of classical Chinese verse with imagery and metaphors. Third, the story: a tale from Chinese history or mythology that illustrates the poem's message.

Notable numbers

#1 — Jiang Ziya's Royal Commission: The first and most famous stick. Rated Best. A story of patience rewarded with great opportunity.

#11 — Emperor Wen Admires the Willows: Also rated Best. Gentle prosperity and steady progress.

#91 — Cai Zhongxing Tops the Exam: The third Best stick. Good news for exams, interviews, and results.

The remaining 97 sticks span Great, Good, Fair, and Poor grades, each with its own story and guidance.

How to look up your number

If you drew a stick at Wong Tai Sin Temple, note the number and visit the full list of 100 sticks to find your reading. Each stick has free plain-language readings across 7 life topics.

FAQ

Q: Is number 1 the best and 100 the worst?
A: No. The numbers are not ranked. Stick #100 could be rated Good while #50 could be Poor. Each number is independent.

Q: Can I choose my number?
A: In traditional practice, you shake the container and let one stick fall out randomly. On lingcim, you can draw randomly or enter a specific number to look up its reading.