Beijing to offer online registration for marriages on Olympic opening day

New Delhi, June 21 : Chinese couples hoping to wed on the opening day of the Olympic Games will now be able to register their marriage easily, as the Beijing registry authorities are offering to open a new on-line marriage booking service to benefit such couples.

The move comes as the authorities anticipate a boom in couples wanting to tie the knot on the opening day of the Olympic Games, on August 8, 2008 (8-8-08) which also happens to be an auspicious day as it is considered a lucky day for marriage with all the number eights in the date.

Eight is the most auspicious number for Chinese who believe it brings fortune and happiness.

However, officials are suggesting that it is better for these couples to personally book at county or district civil affairs bureaus do that they do not get caught up in a virtual traffic jam.

"They might be better of registering in person for their own peace of mind because of the possible Internet traffic jam after the online registration opens," The China Daily quoted Zhai Jianyong, Municipal Marriage Registration Service Center director, as saying.

A Beijing Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau official said that those who wish to register August 8 as their wedding date can apply from June 20 to August 5. They will get their marriage certificates on August 8 with the booking form.

Also, they can even book on the Beijing Municipal Marriage and Adoption Registration Services Website (www.bjhysy.bjmzj.gov.cn) or the Beijing Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau website (www.bjmzj.gov.cn) from July 7 to August 5.

Besides, the service will also benefit foreigners, overseas Chinese and citizens of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan Province.

ANI