Why are order statuses an enum

Hello,

In wanting to learn can someone explain to me why the order statuses like 20 == processing 30 == Complete are enums instead of a ref key table in the db? Is this legacy? Is this an architectural decision?

TIA
JB

It could cause some minor issues for a web site which targets customers from multiple languages.

It is architectural decision / best practice.   The statuses are not just informational for store owner, the core code needs them for workflow processing.

Ahhh yes that makes sense especially if WF is involved now or in the future.

Thank You