Beijing is everywhere in the news as we anticipate the 2008 Summer Olympics which are to be hosted in China’s capital city of Beijing. August 8, 2008 is going to be a very busy wedding day or so the marriage license offices are anticipating. August 8th is the first day of the Olympic Games. The numbers 8 and 6 are auspiciously lucky numbers in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. August 8, 2008 comprises 3 8s together. For the Chinese people, this date is extremely fortuitous to plan a wedding on because the numbers will promise happiness and good fortune.
Plan Ahead
Marriage license offices in Beijing and around the country are anticipating a plethora of weddings on the date. Last year, August 8, 2007 showed a high number of weddings because it was the 26th day of the 6th month of the Lunar Calendar (the emphasis on the lucky 6s for this date). It was also the beginning of the one year countdown for the 2008 Olympics.
On-site booking for marriage licenses will begin on June 20th and last through August 5th. For couples wishing to book their marriage online, that begins July 7th and will be open to August 8th. So great is their anticipation, the Beijing Civil Affairs Bureau will increase the number of weddings that can be booked at a marriage license office from 20 to 80.
The marriage license offices have also promised to extend their hours on August 8th to accommodate the demand. I can’t imagine how many people will be booking weddings on that date, but it sounds like the opening day of the 2008 Summer Olympics may be memorable for many Chinese – and for more than just the games beginning.
Fun Marriage Facts
Did you know that Las Vegas is the most popular destination for couples looking to elope in the U.S.? The marriage license bureau issues 230 licenses a day.