People taking advantage of once-a-century lucky date 12-12-12
Dec 12, 2012, 11:49 AM | Updated: 1:57 pm
Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Allen, left, puts a wedding ring on Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Johnson during their wedding in federal court in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012. A federal judge started their wedding at 12:12 p.m. where they exchanged 12-word vows on 12/12/12. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
With a once-a-century date coming, some people are betting on good luck on 12-12-12.
Numerologist and author Vikki MacKinnon said the date represents two energies merging, making it a beautiful day for weddings.
Around the world, folks have been taking advantage of the special date. Three hundred couples were married in a mass wedding in the Philippines. At least 700 couples are expected to get married in Hong Kong, believing the date will bring them everlasting love.
In Washington, the 12-12-12 date closely follows the legalization of gay marriage. In King County, more than 600 same-sex marriage licenses were issued between last Wednesday and Saturday. The possibility of more than a few 12.12.12 weddings seems likely.
Reports say that in the U.S. around 7,500 weddings are scheduled for 12.12.12, while only 485 couples got hitched on the same day in 2011.
Getting married isn’t the only thing people are doing to take advantage of their good fortune on the special date.
Casinos are running promotions hoping gamblers will bet on the lucky day by playing the slots. In New England, Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut will offer $12 in free slots play to rewards cards members who sink $12 into the slots. Another Casino held a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12:12 p.m. at their brand new hotel.
For pro football fans, Wednesday’s date also will carry special meaning.
In Seattle, it’s 12th Man Day. The Seahawks retired No. 12 in 1984 in honor of their fans.
The Seahawks have been celebrating #12Day on Twitter and with an Instagram tour around CenturyLink Field.
In other cities, NFL fans honored their quarterback. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers wears No. 12, and the Wisconsin state Legislature has designated the day Aaron Rodgers Day in honor of the Super Bowl winner and last year’s MVP. Some businesses are encouraging employees to wear Rodgers jerseys and make $12 donations to a charity fund.
In honor of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who also wears No. 12, his team is planning a series of events, offering free admittance to its interactive museum in the 12 o’clock hour and discounts at its shop, 12 percent off, naturally. The team’s Facebook post had more than 12,000 likes in its first hour.
For one girl, 12-12-12 will be about a special milestone: piercing her ears. Anna Gandy, of Battle Creek, Mich., will head to the Lakeview Square Mall after school lets out. She realized last year that she would turn 12 on 12-12-12.
Still, if romance is in the air and you want to get married on a date like this — but haven’t met you’re special beau or lady yet — get ready for a long engagement. The next day of this kind won’t happen for another 89 years, on 01.01.2101.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
