Lucky baby

PETERS CREEK — Shannon Casey’s scheduled Caesarean section today at Mat-Su Regional Hospital couldn’t fall on a luckier time or date.

If you believe, of course.

Superstitions about what brings or hinders luck have been around for centuries — rabbits feet, four-leaf clovers and the ominous ladder paranoia, among many others. There are also those who believe a certain number or series of numbers can mean great luck.

For some, the date Aug. 8, 2008 — 08-08-08 — is very lucky.

This is particularly true in China, where the No. 8 is considered lucky because its pronunciation sounds like the Chinese phrase for great fortune, Han-Chia Li, an instructor of Chinese at the University of Mississippi, told the Associated Press.

Today’s date has become a boon to the wedding industry in China as thousands of couples reportedly gear up to be married on a day that could give their marriage the extra luck it needs. Today is also the start of the Olympic Games in Beijing, with the opening ceremonies taking place in the country’s now famous Bird’s Nest arena and beginning at 8:08 p.m. Chinese time.

In the United States, the AP reports gift registry site WeddingChannel.com saw a 213 percent increase in weddings for Aug. 8 compared with the same Friday — Aug. 10 — last year. Wedding blog mywedding.com reports many American couples like 8-8-08 because it’s easy to remember and follows the latest trends of lucky days.

For Casey, she’s hoping the superstition holds true and little Dane Ryan, her newborn, is afforded with a lucky life.

“I feel there are lucky numbers for sure,” Casey said.

Not only will Casey be giving birth on 8-8-08, but she also plans to do it at 8 a.m., perhaps further expanding the lucky number’s reach.

In a phone interview one day before Dane Ryan was scheduled to be delivered, Casey said she was a bit nervous even though she’s been through childbirth before with her first son, Cole.

“Who wants to get put on a bunch of drugs and cut open?” Casey asked with a laugh.

Of course, Casey won’t be alone in the delivery room today. Her husband will be at her side, and her stepmother and mother-in-law will be there for her, too.

This won’t be the first time a few numbers have lined up to make for a coincidental order, Casey said. Her first boy was born on 3-7-07, and she and her husband were married on 2-5-05.

Any soon-to-be-parent’s hope is for the best when the delivery date comes around. For the Caseys, if today’s planned delivery holds true, the eight-heavy birth date could add an extra luck boost. After the delivery is over and everyone comes home, Casey said the TV will probably be tuned to the Olympics, airing from the country where eight is such an important number.

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.