8.8.08

The eighth day of the eight month of 2008 is a most auspicious one in Chinese culture because the number ‘8’ is phonetically identical to the word “prosperity,” so those with a superstitious inclination see today as the day of all days. Fitting that the Olympic Opening Ceremonies will be held today (starting at 8:08pm of course). Many have arranged their weddings for today. And hospitals are overcrowded with expectant women who have scheduled C-Sections today in hopes of birthing their child into wealth – hospitals are reporting that some mothers have scheduled it up to 2 month before the actual due date! Yikes….

However, there is a competing school of superstitious thought. It just so happens that this year’s 8.8.08 coincides with the lunar event known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, which begins on the thirteenth day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. The Gates of Heaven and Hell open up and spirits roam the earth. The world of the living offers food and burns paper for the visiting spirits. But fear of death seems to stronger than hope of prosperity as it’s caused many would-be married couples not to rush to the altar during 8.8.08.

In the name of prosperity, I will celebrate by having 8 glasses of wine tonite, sleeping 8 hours and then watching 8 hours of Olympic coverage from the couch tomorrow.