Minako Kawauchi

Minako Kawauchi, Sea Bream, 2005.

Why is the Number 8 Considered Lucky in China?

Gifted with the birthday August 8, I was drawn to do a bit of investigating in regard to this number. I can go on with my birthday today, knowing I must be a lucky person. The main reason has to do with the pronunciation of the word for the number 8 in China. It is pronounced “ba” and sounds like the word for prosperity which is pronounced “fa”. Another reason why the number 8 could be considered lucky is because it is a perfect symmetrical shape. You can cut the number 8 in half vertically or horizontally, and both halves mirror themselves perfectly. Perfect symmetry lends itself to perfect balance. In Chinese Astrology, perfect balance is considered the ideal.  Now, off to lunch!