Javanese numerals

Javanese numerals are a special way of writing numbers that is used in Java, which is an island in Indonesia. Imagine if instead of writing the number "5" like we do - with a straight line and a curve - we drew a squiggly line that looks kind of like a wave. That's what Javanese numerals look like!

Now, just like in English where we have a symbol for each number (like "1" for one, "2" for two, and so on), Javanese numerals also have symbols for each number. But they look very different from our symbols! For example, the Javanese numeral for "2" looks a bit like a stairway going up and to the right, while the Javanese numeral for "9" is a curvy line that looks like someone trying to draw a backwards number "6" but getting confused halfway through.

While Javanese numerals may look strange to us, they are very important for the people who use them. They have a long history and cultural significance, and are still used today in many parts of Java for things like writing dates and counting money. And who knows, maybe someday you will get the chance to use Javanese numerals yourself!