So it should come as no surprise that the Chinese authorities pounced on today – the eighth day of the eighth month of 2008 – to start the Beijing Olympics, which get under way at 8pm.

For centuries, the Chinese have believed the number eight is lucky because their word for eight rhymes with the word for fortune.

Four, on the other hand, rhymes with the Chinese word for death – and so is considered to be unlucky.

But it is also a magical day for one Peterborough boy who is celebrating his eighth birthday today.

Oscar Butler, of All Saints Road, said: "I think having my birthday today is lucky. I looked at my calendar and thought it was something special, so I told my mum.

"All my friends think I am really lucky and special.

"I am going to celebrate with a party with my family tonight and then I am having a special surprise with my dad and brother on Sunday."

The youngster's mum, Tracy added: "We agreed with Oscar that it was a bit unusual.

"Oscar is quite impressed with it. I doubt it will ever happen again in his lifetime and it will rarely happen to anyone in their whole lifetime."

However, little Oscar will, in fact, encounter 888 again in 80 years' time when he celebrates his 88th birthday on August 8, 2088.

And for positive energy specialist Dr Silvia Hartmann, today is a chance for the whole world to celebrate success and prosperity.

She is urging everyone in the city to join Oscar and take a moment to reflect on all the success in their lives, all the things they are good at and join in what she describes as World Success Day.

In Western culture, the belief in hidden meanings behind numbers goes back to Ancient Greece while the unbroken lines of the '8' are symbolic of continuity.

And celebrities are far from immune from a belief in the power of numbers.

Prince and Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) are just two stars who are known to use the interpretation of numbers to influence their decision-making.