Bound For Beijing

The number eight has long been associated with Fortune and prosperity in Chinese culture. The word for eight in Chinese has a similar sound to ‘wealth’ or ‘prosper’. The symbol for two eights (88) also bears a resemblance to a popular decorative design that means joy and happiness.

Some Chinese have gone to considerable expense to obtain things of eight. The telephone number 8888-8888 was purchased for over US$270,000 in Chengdu.

With the 2008 Olympics taking place in the eighth month, it’s no surprise that the Beijing Organizing Committee has done some creative scheduling. The Opening Ceremony will take place on the 8th of August at 08:08:08pm CST (China Standard Time.)

With so many eights, the games of the 29th Olympiad will be prosperous indeed.

Culture