Where did the saying come from and if Cloud 9 is bliss, what are clouds 1-8?

"Cloud Nine is of unknown origin or significance. It is an Americanism dating to the 1950s--other than that we don't know anything of its origin.

Various tales have been attached to the phrase due to the number nine. But are certainly false because in the phrase's early days other numbers were often used, most commonly seven, sometimes thirty-nine. A 1930s quote uses Cloud Eight to refer to being drunk (which hints that the phrase may be considerably older than the 1950s). The probable meaning is simply a generalization of "out there" with no specific intent." www.wordorigins.org

I wonder if it's related to "seventh heaven", which apparently comes from "Islamic and cabalist doctrine" (m-w.com).

Pure speculation on my part, but it could be a reflection of Ptolmaic cosmography (was also seen in Dante's Divine Comedy) of the nine spheres: moon, sun, 5 known planets, the stars, and paradise.

quote:

Originally posted by newnickname:



I wonder if it's related to "seventh heaven", which apparently comes from "Islamic and cabalist doctrine" (m-w.com).

I think the belief in seven heavens was common enough in early Christianity, though that belief hasn't come down to us today. In 2Cor.12:2 Paul makes a reference to the "third heaven".

"I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth such an one caught up to the third heaven."

The New Testament contains many references to "the heavens".

Rev 12:12 "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."

Kittypal you've asked a similar question on 01-11-03. see here. also here

I know the question is a little different.

And you think we don't remember ??? huh?

LOL mozart, you are good. I don't remember that at all. Thanks!!!