What's With Number 8?

If you have failed to look at your calendar today, let me just remind you that today is August 8, 2008 (8/8/08). You may ask me, so what? Well, if you are Chinese or even if you're not but have strong beliefs for some of Chinese culture and traditions, then today would mean so much to you. It didn't came as a surprise to me that the Olympics, being held at Beijing, China, shall officially commence tonight at exactly 8:08 PM.

So why the fuss over this number? Well, in China and Chinese communities all over the world, number 8 means luck and prosperity. That is why it is no surprise that many people today worldwide are getting married, giving birth, and opening their businesses. It also meant social class status because in China, they have to pay extra if they want to have a number 8 in their phone number, plate number, bank account number, etc. It means you are a moneyed individual if you can afford the extra pay for that very special number.

I have read over a Chinese Astrology site that number 8 is lucky because "it has to do with the pronunciation of the word for the number 8 in China. It is pronounced "ba" and sounds like the word for prosperity which is pronounced "fa". Another reason why the number 8 could be considered lucky is because it is a perfect symmetrical shape. You can cut the number 8 in half vertically or horizontally, and both halves mirror themselves perfectly. Perfect symmetry lends itself to perfect balance. In Chinese Astrology, perfect balance is considered the ideal".