New beginning
The number eight symbolizes a new beginning and new life. Circumcision was performed on the eighth day as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. Eight people were saved through the floodwaters on Noah's ark. In Christian tradition, the number is linked to the resurrection, which took place the day after the Sabbath—the eighth day—and marks the start of a new creation. The Hebrew letter het (ח) has the numerical value 8 and is associated with life (חַיִּים, chayyim), which underscores the connection between eight and new life. Many early Christian baptisteries were built with an octagonal floor plan to symbolize that baptism is a new beginning—linked to the eighth day and the resurrection. Church Father Augustine and other early theologians referred to Sunday as "the eighth day" (dies octava), a day that transcends the earthly weekly cycle and points toward eternal life.*