8, eight, VIII

8/8/08 : It's a pretty special day around here.
Wrote about the significance of the number 8 here.
Recap: Eight - The word for "eight" in Chinese sounds similar to the word which means "prosper" or "wealth." In regional dialects the words for "eight" and "fortune" are also similar. It represents good luck.

Reiter8 (re-it-er-ate), my company's name was chosen to reflect the recycling element and I loved it because I could incorporate the number 8 into it - which I felt was catchy. At my first outdoor market, someone informed me about how lucky they number 8 was in Asian cultures. After that, I knew the name was a keeper.

Recently listed two 8 totes on Etsy. Check 'em out here and here.
Enjoy the day. Enjoy the possibilities.

Seeing Red

Traditionally red envelopes are given to family members and loved ones on on Chinese New Year and always contain money, usually varying from a couple of dollars to several hundred. The amount of money in the red packets should be of even numbers, as odd numbers are associated with cash given during funerals.

Since the number 4 is considered bad luck, because the word for four is a homophone for death, money in the red envelopes never adds up to $4. However, the number 8 is considered lucky (for its homophone for "wealth"), and $8 is commonly found in the red envelopes. (Thanks Wikipedia for the info)

I love my lucky number 8!!

Happy Chinese New Year!