The Superstition of Prosperity

This is an example of how far Chinese will go to avoid "bad luck". It would have been a lot more economical if we believed that simple things like throwing salt over your shoulder, avoiding black cats, ladders and cracks on the ground - could help you avert disaster. But that is not our style, and never has been. The Chinese have always had the flair for "investing" mind bloggling amounts in the pursuit of good luck.

Even till today, I still do not fail to be amazed at the fascination of Chinese (and even Westerners!) in Feng Shui. The only alliterance the figure 8 has with prosperity is that they sound alike - 8 (ba) and prosperity (fa). And 68? If you say it in cantonese, it sounds like The Road to Prosperity (loke fa).

Having grown up with a superstitious mom, I have to say I shake my head everytime I see news like this. Thankfully, we were too poor to afford the extravagance of indulging in superstition. The money that we had were used for food, transport, education, comfort and the occasional travel. We invested in our minds and character which I must say have proven more reliable than the fickleness of good luck. Being financially humble (not deprived) does have its benefits - it keeps you well grounded. *smile*