August 8, 2008 is more than just a date.
For one, it marks the day of the opening ceremony for the highly anticipated Beijing Olympics.
It is also considered a lucky day for marriage. For Chinese couples looking to tie the knot, the combination of eights adds up to a potentially successful union.
"According to our Chinese tradition, eight is an auspicious number, good for weddings."
"Besides August 8, other days such as November 11 and January 11 are regarded good ones for marriage.
Not many Malaysian Chinese are rushing to tie the knot on that date, which falls during the Hungry Ghost month, as superstition prevails.
Some Chinese believe the Hungry Ghost Festival is an unlucky period to do almost anything, from buying a house to starting a business. It is the time when ghosts are supposedly freed from the netherworld and allowed to roam the earth.
'They believe that if you have a wedding celebration, all these loitering spirits will attend it.
The situation in China, however, is the exact opposite. 'People in China just think such beliefs are backward.
Thousands of lovebirds there are rushing to get married. In Beijing alone, at least 9,000 couples have already booked the date for their marriage registration.
IN AUSTRALIA
More than 350 marriages are expected to take place around NSW on Friday 08/08/08.
"Getting married on significant or lucky days is popular here at the registry. Many couples feel that getting married on the eighth day of the eighth month of 2008 will add something special," The Herald Sun quoted Curry, as saying.
The Olympic Games opening ceremony in Beijing begins at 8 p.m. on the eighth day of the eighth month this Friday.
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