Arlen Building, 7th Avenue Manhattan, New York City. Marble Signage with Chinese Lucky Number 8, Triple-8s Sign Very Lucky 888
Image details
Contributor:
Garrett Andrew Chong / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
GDCCHHFile size:
68.7 MB (1.3 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
6000 x 4000 px | 50.8 x 33.9 cm | 20 x 13.3 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
23 November 2014Location:
Manhattan, New York City, USAMore information:
The number 8 is viewed as such an auspicious number that even being assigned a number with several eights is considered very lucky. According to Wikipedia: The word for "eight" (八 Pinyin: bā) sounds similar to the word which means "prosper" or "wealth" (發 – often paired with "發財" during Chinese New Years, but is used alone or paired with numerous other "compound words" that have a meaning of luck or success, Pinyin: fā). In regional dialects the words for "eight" and "fortune" are also similar, e.g., Cantonese "baat3" and "faat3". The word is also phonetically similar to the word for a hundred (百), alluding to greater wealth. Note as well, this particular symbol matches the mathematical symbol of infinity. While Chinese does have other words for luck, this full understanding of luck that includes the infinity concept marries into a Chinese understanding of this particular word. There is also a visual resemblance between two digits, "88", and 囍, the "shuāng xĭ" ("double joy"), a popular decorative design composed of two stylized characters 喜 ("xĭ" meaning "joy" or "happiness"). - In 2003, A telephone number with all digits being eights was sold for CN¥2.33 million (approximately US$280, 000) to Sichuan Airlines in Chengdu, China. - The opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Beijing began on 8/8/08 at 8 seconds and 8 minutes past 8 pm local time (UTC+08). - A man in Hangzhou offered to sell his license plate reading A88888 for ¥1.12 million (roughly $164, 000). - A Chinese man in Las Vegas purchased bulb #8 and #88 from the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign on 8/8/2008. - The minivan that GM makes for the Chinese market is called the Buick GL8, but the minivans it sold in other countries didn't have that name. - The Air Canada route from Shanghai to Toronto is Flight AC88. - Similar to the Western practice of using "9" for price points, it is common to see "8" being used in its place to achieve the same psychological effect. i.e. Menu prices $58 & $88 etc.