Published: August 24, 2008
Op-Ed Contributor
Of Numerology, The Lucky #8 and The Beijing Olympics
By Robert Paul Reyes
"Numerology is any of many systems, traditions or beliefs in a mystical or esoteric relationship between numbers and physical objects or living things." Wikipedia
I don't believe in numerology, astrology or any other belief not grounded on empirical facts. I don't have a lucky number; I don't avoid the 13th floor when booking a hotel room, and I don't play a certain sequence of lucky numbers in the lottery.
Sixty Nine is the only number with a special meaning for me, but there are multitudes who believe that certain numbers are lucky or have a special significance. Many evangelicals believe that "666" is the number of the Antichrist and that "777" represents God.
The Chinese venerate eight above every other number:
"The word for "eight" in Mandarin (Pinyin: bā) sounds similar to the word which means "prosper" or "wealth". In regional dialects the words for "eight" and "fortune" are also similar.
The telephone number 8888-8888 was sold for $270,723 in China.
The opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics In Beijing began on 8/8/08 at 8 seconds and 8 minutes past 8 pm." Wikipedia
On August 8, 08 thousands of couples throughout the world got hitched, hoping it will mean a long and prosperous union.
I don't look down on those who believe that certain numbers portend good luck, it's a harmless diversion. Unless you marry an ugly homeless ex-con who was born on Aug 8, in the belief that he will eventually become a millionaire because he was born on a lucky day.
This world is so complex and bewildering, that it's not surprising that so many folks try to make sense out of it all by trusting in a lucky number.
The Chinese will never be dissuaded from their belief that 8 is a lucky number; the Beijing Olympics went off without a hitch and China won more Gold medals than any other country.
Robert Paul Reyes is a NewsBlaze writer on Politics, Pop Culture and Pointless Pontificating. Contact him by writing to NewsBlaze.
* The views of Opinion writers do not necessarily reflect the views of NewsBlaze
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