The Pythagoreans taught that the number three was the first true number. Three is the first number that forms a geometrical figure - the triangle.
Three was considered the number of harmony, wisdom and understanding.
Three is the number of time:
past - present - future
birth - life - death
beginning - middle - end
Three is the number of the divine.
Three is a sacred number in many religions. In ritual many actions are preformed three times.
Three is the number of magic.
We are all familiar with the expression "third time lucky".
In fairy tales three is often the magical number. Heros and heroines are often offered three choices or three tests. They overcome difficulties on the third try.
In Zoroastrianism there are three ethical principles:
Humata
Hukhta
Huveshta
to think good
to speak good
to act good
Under Muslim law a man can divorce his wife by repeating the phrase "I divorce thee" three times.
Plato divided his Utopian city into three populations:
1. Laborers
2. Guardians (warriors)
3. Philosophers (rulers)
The three Borromeam Rings are three rings that are interlocked. If any single ring is removed, the two remaining rings will fall apart. This has been used as a symbol of "strenght in unity" for centuries in many parts of the world.
The symbol of the three rings that are interlocked is also known as "The Tripod of Life". Christians may use "The Tripod of Life" to symbolize the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
On the Nobel Peace Prize Medal there is engraved a picture of three naked men. The inscription reads: Pro pace et fraternitate gentium, translated " For the peace and brotherhood of men". The medal was designed by Gustav Vigeland.
Only three primary colors are needed to mix most other colors; red, yellow and blue.
According to Benjamin Disraeli (British Prime Minister, 1804-1881) there are three degrees of lies:
Lies
Damned Lies
Statistics
The third day of the Chinese New Year is often called the "Squabbling Day". People will avoid visiting family and friends on this day as it may result in quarrels. A visit to the temple is a better choice.
In the Western world, leather traditionally marks the third year anniversary.
Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States. 1801 - 1809.
Camels have three eyelids.
The Triple Moon/The Triple Goddess. It shows her three aspects as maiden, mother and crone. Often used by Wicca.
The Shamrock - the three-leaf cover
The Shamrock, the three-leaf clover, is a symbol of Ireland. Saint Patrick taught Christianity in Ireland. He used the three-leaf cover to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (The Father, Son and Holy Ghost) in Christianity. Saint Patrick died March 17, 461. March 17 is celebrated as his feast day and named Saint Patrick's Day.
The Three Petals of the Iris Flower
The iris flower was a symbol of power in ancient Egypt. It was often placed on sceptors of rulers and kings. The three large petals of the iris flower symbolize:
faith
wisdom
courage
The iris flower is named after the Greek messenger goddess, Iris. She was also seen as the rainbow. Iris flowers were planted on the graves of women. The ancient Greeks believed that the goddess Iris would lead the dead women to the Underworld.
Picture from Botanical Magazine, 1792
The word "troika" is a Russian word for threesome, triplet or trio. A Troika is three-horse harnessed sledge.
Troika is also the name of a traditional Russian dance. The dancers dance in groups of three.
A Troika also means a committee consisting of three members. During the rule of Stalin, the Troika was used to speed up the prosecutions of people accused of political crimes. In that meaning a Troika consisted of three judges and replaced the normal legal system.
Lithograph (1819) artist: Aleksander Orlowski. The Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
Gemini is the third astrological sign of the Zodiac. (May 21 - June 21)
bol of "strenght in unity" for centuries in many parts of the world.
Camels have three eyelids.
The Triple Moon/The Triple Goddess. It shows her three aspects as maiden, mother and crone. Often used by Wicca. 
The Shamrock, the three-leaf clover, is a symbol of Ireland. Saint Patrick taught Christianity in Ireland. He used the three-leaf cover to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (The Father, Son and Holy Ghost) in Christianity. Saint Patrick died March 17, 461. March 17 is celebrated as his feast day and named Saint Patrick's Day.
The iris flower was a symbol of power in ancient Egypt. It was often placed on sceptors of rulers and kings. The three large petals of the iris flower symbolize:
Gemini is the third astrological sign of the Zodiac. (May 21 - June 21)
