The Power of 12

   The New York Times reported that "Even the European Union's flag -- a circle of 12 yellow stars on a blue background -- has a coded Christian message," based on the number of stars, citing "Christian iconography of the Virgin Mary wearing a crown with 12 stars."
   Moreover, the secular European Union uses 12 stars on its coins.
   But the power of 12 predates Christianity by many centuries, and the use of the number is found in many other places.

   To start with, early math systems used a base 12, rather than 10 as is done today.
   There are 12 months to the year.
   There are 12 hours to a day, and 12 to a night.
   There are 60 minutes to an hour, a multiple of 12.
   There are 60 seconds to a minute, the same multiple.
   There are 12 signs of the zodiac.

   There were 12 tribes of ancient Israelites.


   Recovery programs list 12 steps.
   There were 12 pence to a shilling in English coinage.
   There are 12 members in a jury.
   There are 12 items in a dozen.
   In Ancient Greece, there were 12 Olympic gods, and 12 Titans.


   So to suggest that the use of 12 stars on a flag is "a coded Christian message" is to ignore a much longer, and wider, use of the power of 12.

   There is also a rock music band called The Power of 12. And one of Mel Brooks' more interesting films is titled, "The Twelve Chairs."