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the number eight

number
Also known as: 8, eight

Quick Summary

The number eight is generally considered auspicious in numerology. Mathematically, the square of any odd number, minus one, is always a multiple of 8. In Babylonian myth, there were seven spheres plus an eighth realm, the abode of the gods, leading to 8 being associated with paradise. Muslims believe in eight paradises, signifying God's mercy. Buddhism considers 8 a lucky number, possibly due to the eight petals of the lotus flower, a symbol of luck and a Buddhist icon. In China, 8 is significant for men's life stages, and the Yijing uses 64 (8 x 8) configurations. Merriam-Webster defines eight as a number one more than seven, or the eighth in a series.12

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