The number 88
This symbol signifies endless or continuous prosperity. This symbol is closely associated with Chinese beliefs where the sound of 8 is “fatt” which means Prosperity and Abundance. Also, the figure 8 is also known as the symbol of Infinity. Therefore, putting these two together, we have the symbolic meaning of “Endless/forever Prosperity”.
The Chinese also believe that eight is sacred and powerful as it is associated with:
· The legendary eight immortals ;
· Eight triangles of the I-Ching or book of changes,
· Ancient Chinese System of Divination.
· Eighty- Eight also resembles the Chinese pictograph for “Double Happiness.”
Chinese feng-shui beliefs:
It activate abundance when place at your Sheng-Qi success direction and at the Wealth Area (South East) of the office or shop.
The figure 8 is also a Remedial Symbol to help balance occupants when negative symbols or a bad Feng Shui house affects them. The use of Two Eights just doubles the effectiveness of the cure.
When a house has Feng Shui design problems- a corner is missing or a wall creates an obstacle, it is suggested to use an 88-to create space and harmony, instead of using mirrors which only create the illusion of space.
The 88 symbol is also used universally to help create a flow of energy and unblock stagnant chi.
And what happens when you divide endless/forever prosperity by zero?
Buster McLeod
June 26, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Hey fatt fatt, don’t forget that there are also 88 keys on the PIANO!!!
Matteo Favero
June 28, 2008 at 4:31 am
Hi there… I dont mean to be annoying but I’m studying Chinese and in Mandarin 8 is pronounced “ba” and in Cantonese it’s pronounced “baat3″. 88 is “ba shi ba” and “baat3 sap1 baat3″ respectively. However, “fat1″ does mean prosperity, as in “Kung hei fat choy” (in Cantonese) or “Congratulations for getting rich”, otherwise known as “Happy New Year”.
Ok I’ll shut up now. Great photos! I admire your work with NGO’s; it’s exactly the kind of thing I want to get into.
Sarah Tilotta
July 29, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Thanks Sarah! I got that info on 88 from Wikipedia, which goes to show that you shouldn’t trust everything you find there. Thanks for the clarification. I’m glad you like the photos. I’ll be posting more information regarding work opportunities and experiences with NGO’s and nonprofit organizations shortly.
James
July 29, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Yeah, Wikipedia is great for quantity of information, if not quality. Will keep a lookout for your new posts of NGO experiences. Thanks and take care.
Sarah Tilotta
July 29, 2009 at 7:28 pm