888

So today is supposed to be an auspicious date.

And not only because it is a unique date, which after the 12/12/12 will cease to exist until 01/01/3001. (Whoa, 989 years later! Or, the nearest is 02/02/22 actually.) ;p

This date 08/08/08 is especially more auspicious for the Chinese people.

Why? Because 8 is considered as a lucky number by the Chinese people.

Why? Because the number eight is pronounced bā (八) in Chinese language, and it sounds similar to the word fā (发) which means “wealth” or “prosperity”.

And according to Wikipedia, there is also a resemblance between the two digits, "88", and the shuang xi (囍) meaning “double joy”, a popular decorative design composed of two stylized characters 喜 (xi), which means “joy” or “happiness”.

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.

Also, when you turn the number 90° either way, it becomes the symbol of infinity (∞).

As you might already know, telecommunication companies and car registration authorities in China will charge extra for each number "8" that you want on your telephone number or your car license plate. Well, it is also the case here in Indonesia. The difference is, the police over here will not only charge extra for the number 8 on your car license plate, but also for any combination of number and letters you might possibly want. And as far as I know, the most expensive license plate number in Indonesia is one with the number “1”, with “B 1” reserved for the president’s car (B is the code area for Jakarta). You gotta pay more for a license plate with one number (e.g. “2”), as compared to four numbers “2222” (our max is four). Actually, the price to pay varies greatly depending on the “beauty” of the number. And I don’t really know what will cause the differences in price, but over here, money talks.

It is also said that this date will hold a record number of weddings. In my opinion, I’m quite sure it will be true at least over here in Indonesia.

And since Indonesian people are crazy, I saw the news on TV today that there are pregnant women who undergo surgery just so their children will have this auspicious date as their birth date. The doctors all over the hospitals have been working extra non-stop since last night. I don’t know whether there are other crazy women in other countries. But it is possible. :(

This date is also the opening date of the Beijing Olympics, which will commence at 08:08:08 pm.

I hope you enjoyed my article. Cheers!

Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbers_in_Chinese_culture
http://www.apmforum.com/columns/china17.htm
http://www.onlinechineseastrology.com/content-detail.aspx?ID=108
http://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080221083123AA7a8Pp