What Is the Meaning of Three Eights in Asian Culture?
Three eights are heavily steeped in symbolism and mysticism, especially within the Asian culture. The widely held belief is that 888 means triple prosperity. Even today, people strive for phone numbers, addresses and anything with three eights.
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Symbolism of 888
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The number eight is highly regarded. The number 8 is a very highly regarded number in Asian cultures. It is pronounced "baat" or "faat" in Mandarin and Cantonese, which is tied to prosperity.
Number 8 in Asian Culture
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The number 8 is significant for those who practice Buddhism, Feng Shui and the I Ching. Asian culture is steeped in analogies with the number eight. The practice of the "eight trigrams" means eight houses. The number eight is associated with wholeness, the openness of possibilities and good luck in Chinese culture. Eight is deeply rooted in diverse Asian beliefs about the relationship of time, space and humanity.
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Relationship to the Number Three
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The number three is also viewed as a lucky number in Asian culture. Cantonese speakers consider it to mean "alive." To many in the Asian culture, having three eights is considered to mean that the opportunity for prosperity is alive. The combination of three eights means the opportunity for prosperity is tripled.
Religions and Practices
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Buddhists believe that the number eight represents completion, possibilities and an overall positive sign. It is also used in Feng Shui analysis to develop positive energies inside of homes and buildings. Feng Shui is practiced to create harmony in living and working and is utilized to foster creativity, wealth, good health and positive relationships. The number eight is also very significant in the practice of I Ching, the Book of Changes. Eight represents heaven, the symbolic role of the father in a family, focus, and energy that is creative, dynamic and active.
Contemporary Cultural References
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While the three eights are centuries old in significance within Asian culture, many still believe the numbers hold mystical power and meaning. China's hosting of the 2008 summer Olympics began on August 8, 2008--three eights.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Pieces of Eight image by Karen Adcock from Fotolia.com eight easter eggs image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com goldy image by john from Fotolia.com
