08/08/08

Friday is special for those who go by the calendar, to mark that unique date of 08-08-08. This great palindromic date 08-08-08 coincides with the inauguration of the XXIX Olympic Games in Beijing.The date is not only catchy but the number 8 is also considered very favourable in Chinese culture. The Chinese pronunciation for ‘eight’ (ba in Mandarin and paat in Cantonese) sounds similar to the word for ‘prosperity’ (fa in Mandarin and faat in Cantonese). The 2008 Beijing Olympic is scheduled to be held from August 8 to August 24,2008 in the city of Beijing. The opening ceremony of the Olympics will begin at 08:08:08 pm CST.

The Chinese believe that numbers are not just figures indicating quantity or just superstition but that they have a magical quality. They also assign yin and yang qualities to the numbers. Yin and Yang are the two opposing forces active in the universe. Yin signifies passivity and darkness whereas Yang signifies brightness, activity, and positive force. So, they generally prefer Yang qualities. The odd numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 represent Yang energy and the even numbers 2, 4, 6, and 8 represent Yin energy.

Prof V S Yalvigi, an 82-year-old botany professor for 35 years and an avid philatelist for over 40 years, said, “This millennium consists of 12 palindromic dates indicating beginning with 01-01-01 till 12-12-12. This kind of palindromic dates are rare and special as it occurs once in a thousand years.”With people queuing up outside astrologers' offices to find out how the trilogy of number 8, brought about by today's date 08-08-08, would affect them. If something bad has to happen, it will happen no matter what the date is." Numerologist Sanjay B Jumaani agrees but still advises caution, "08.08.08 is eight days after the solar eclipse and eight days before the lunar eclipse. People should go about their normal chores but should not do anything auspicious such as starting a new venture or getting engaged or married today." Astrologer Dr Prem K Sharma gives a reason to cheer when he says, "Number 8 is governed by Lord Shani (Saturn) and his benign influence gives us power, independence, ambition and organisation. 08+08+2008 = 26, also adding up to 8 which is again influenced by Saturn - the planet that rules judgement, hard work and strong determination." People on the street had varying views about the 'special' date.