This may be an "urban legend" in Singapore but I found it interesting nevertheless.
It is said that Singpoare went through very difficult economic times during the 70's and 80's and the then Prme Minister decided to consult a Chinese astrologer to find out a cure for the economic decline. The Astrologer told him to have all Singaporean display an octagon in their houses to bring good fortune. Number eight in China means prospeirty and prices are often quoted as "88". For example, the sale price of a good pair of jeans can be $88.00, just as in the USA is 99.
Going back to the main story, the Prime Minister knew he could not order all citizens to have an octagon since there are people with different religious beliefs (Hindus, Muslims, Christians, etc) that would never follow such instructions. To solve his predicament, he had the treasury issue a new one dollar coin with an octagon in one of the faces. Since everybody uses coins, he reasoned, every houshold would have an octagone and good fortune would return to Singapore. That octagon is called something that sounds like "pa qua." True story or not, I think it reflects some of the believes of this society.
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