nwasianweekly.com
July 12, 2008

8.0.8
Weddings

On Aug. 8, eyes around the world will be watching China, where the opening ceremonies for the Olympics are scheduled to take place. But for many Chinese couples, Aug. 8 will have a more personal significance. This year, the Beijing marriage registration office is predicting more than 9,000 weddings will be held, compared with 3,400 on a normal day.

Why is this day so popular? In China, the number eight sounds like the word for prosperity, and therefore is considered lucky. Superstitious Chinese will often pay big money for telephone numbers and license plates crammed with eights. The Olympics are scheduled to begin on 8/8/08 at 8:08:08 a.m. So it’s no surprise that many couples are choosing to hold their weddings on the date 8/8/08. When you consider that the number eight on its side is the symbol for infinity, it becomes an even more appropriate date for a wedding.

The date is also popular here in the United States, but the fact it falls on a Friday might quell some of the wedding fervor.

Are you getting married on 8/8/08? If so, the Northwest Asian Weekly invites you to send in your wedding or engagement photo — you may be included in our coverage of 8/8/08 weddings! Send digital photos to info@nwasianweekly.com by Aug 22.