According to Chinese numerology, the number eight is a lucky number. For many, that translates August 8, 2008, or 8-8-08, into a very lucky day. Even the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing was held at 8:08 p.m. on 8-8-08. Many people planned their weddings for that date as well.

Chinese numerology dates back thousands of years. However, only in the last century have homonyms been used to give meaning to numbers. All numbers one through nine have corresponding homonyms and associated meanings. Other lucky number combinations include 1414, 168, 518 and 524.