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It is generally believed that gun salutes are set off in odd numbers because of an old naval superstition that even numbers are unlucky.

***Answerer #2:

Even numbers indicated a death. Important influence and reforms at the Office of the Admiralty and Marine Affairs improved the early professionalism of the (British) Royal Navy by Samuel Pepys FRS (February 23, 1633 - May 26, 1703), where the custom of firing cannon salutes originated. Partially disarming a ship by firing her cannons harmlessly out to sea showed respect and trust as well as indicating no hostile intent. At first, ships fired off all guns. Later, ships fired off seven guns, and forts fired off 21 guns. Later, the British increased the number of shots required from ships to match the forts.

As naval customs evolved, the 21-gun salute came to be reserved for heads of state.

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Q: Why is it believed that gun salutes are set off in odd number?
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