八 (ba) or the number 8 in Mandarin is believed to be auspicious in Chinese culture. It rhymes with the word 發(fa) which means to generate wealth. Thus, it is often used in festive greetings during the Lunar New Year. Coincidentally, a horizontal 8 is similar to the infinity symbol. Combined, the concept marries the two meanings to signify a continuous cycle of fortune, unfolding a year of longevity in prosperity.