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: bâ) 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.