As many people have noticed, the opening day of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing fall on the eighth day of the eighth month, or 08/08/08. Is it just coincidence that the games begin on this unique date? Actually, no. The Chinese place a certain significance on the number eight. In fact, it was even decided that the starting time for the opening ceremonies would be at, you guessed it, 8:00 pm. This is because numerology, the ancient study of numbers and their relationship between living beings or physical objects, holds a strong significance in Chinese culture. Numerology is also a form of divination, giving one insights into various important aspects of life. Many people in China, as do many others throughout the world, believe that numbers have qualities that can effect human lives and daily events. And because of the importance placed upon the number eight in Chinese numerology, the number eight association was chosen for the opening day ceremonies in Beijing.
In Chinese numerology certain numbers are viewed by some as being either auspicious or inauspicious depending upon which Chinese word the number sounds similar to. Based on this belief the number eight is considered an auspicious number, associated with good fortune and good karma.
Eight is also a number that can represent opposites such as success/failure, self-confidence/egotism or honor/corruption and reminds one that balance, focus and integrity are important in life in order to achieve one's goals and follow a good, honorable life path. So the purpose of choosing the number eight could very well signify the importance of balance, good choices and holding on to one's integrity while competing in these important athletic competitions.
As with any form of divination, the significance of the number eight in the Beijing games depends much upon fate, personal interpretations and the choices that one makes. Nothing in life is written in stone and that's certainly the case with athletic competitions where there are both winners, losers and many exciting memories.
