Calling all Pigs
The Chinese New Year is one of those holidays when for a day we borrow the identity of another culture (unless of course you are Chinese). St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo are other examples of when we mask our true heritage and honor others by imbibing in copious amounts of whiskey and tequila (or maybe that’s just me). But just as one should know that St. Patrick cast the snakes out of Ireland, or that Mexico defeated the French at Puebla, one should also know what Chinese New Year is (before drinking too much tea). As one might suspect, it is celebrating the start of a new year according to the Chinese calendar, as opposed to the Gregorian one most of us use. It begins with the second new moon (this is why it typically falls in February) and ends 15 days later when the second full moon has risen. This 2 week period is known in China as the Spring Festival. It begins with the New Year and ends with the Lantern Festival (also called Little New Year). It is a time for people to honor their ancestors and celebrate with family. This is accomplished through eating auspicious foods, such as dumplings and rice cakes, lighting firecrackers, giving money wrapped in red, and watching the dragon/lion dance.
According to the Chinese calendar, the current year is 4705 – the year of the Pig, or Boar. If you were born in 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, or 2007, then you are a Pig. Guys, when used in this context, this is not a bad thing. Characteristically speaking, pigs tend to be chivalrous, pure, and selfless. You are honest, tolerant, loyal, and tend to keep friends for life. You are non-confrontational and stubbornly optimistic. Therefore, you are also naïve and easily taken advantage of. You have a voracious appetite for reading, and although are a bit reserved, will talk ad neauseum if the subject is of great interest. You are also polite and always aim to please.
In addition to the pig there are 11 other animals that help complete the Chinese zodiac. You are probably familiar with these if you have ever perused the place mat at your local Chinese restaurant. There are numerous stories as to how the 12 animals were selected for the circle. One tells of a tournament held to determine all the animals’ skills and abilities. The top finishers were chosen for the zodiac. Another recounts how all the animals were asked to cross the river. The rat finished first. The pig last. Yet another talks of the emperor asking his advisor’s to show him the 12 greatest animals on the planet. After showing him only 11, the emperor became enraged and ordered the men to immediately find a twelfth. The first animal spotted just happened to be a farmer's pig. Whatever story you have heard, below are the animals listed in order. I have also added the birth year and some personal characteristics of these animals, or rather people. By now you’re probably thinking this information is good for little more than cocktail parties. But let me share a little secret with you. It also comes in handy with the ladies. After all, chicks love astrology. Example: Have you ever asked a girl her birthday, and in turn she asks yours? Then she comments that you must be an Aries and she too is a fire sign. Adding that you two would totally get along because you are both creative and caring and blah blah blah etc. You can thank me later. In the meantime, read on and see if you discover anything new about yourself. If you’re lucky, next time I’ll explain how to identify your compatible Chinese sign.
Rat (’60,’72, ’84) hardworking, ambitious, perfectionists, loving
Ox (’61, ‘73’ ’85) calm, patient, eloquent speakers, hot-tempered
Tiger (’62, ’74, ’86) free-spirited, indecisive, authoritative, suspicious of others
Rabbit (’63, ’75, ’87) cautious, reserved, gentle, fashionable
Dragon (’64, ’76) energetic, confident, sensitive, honest
Snake (’65, ’77) quiet, pensive, passionate, attractive
Horse (’66, ’78) charismatic, cheerful, self-reliant, adventurous
Sheep (’67, ’79) creative, shy, charming, practical
Monkey (’68, ’80) clever, care-free, diplomatic, fickle
Rooster (’69, ’81) eccentric, trustworthy, sociable, outspoken
Dog (’70, ’82) faithful, honest, judgmental, stubborn
According to the Chinese calendar, the current year is 4705 – the year of the Pig, or Boar. If you were born in 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, or 2007, then you are a Pig. Guys, when used in this context, this is not a bad thing. Characteristically speaking, pigs tend to be chivalrous, pure, and selfless. You are honest, tolerant, loyal, and tend to keep friends for life. You are non-confrontational and stubbornly optimistic. Therefore, you are also naïve and easily taken advantage of. You have a voracious appetite for reading, and although are a bit reserved, will talk ad neauseum if the subject is of great interest. You are also polite and always aim to please.
In addition to the pig there are 11 other animals that help complete the Chinese zodiac. You are probably familiar with these if you have ever perused the place mat at your local Chinese restaurant. There are numerous stories as to how the 12 animals were selected for the circle. One tells of a tournament held to determine all the animals’ skills and abilities. The top finishers were chosen for the zodiac. Another recounts how all the animals were asked to cross the river. The rat finished first. The pig last. Yet another talks of the emperor asking his advisor’s to show him the 12 greatest animals on the planet. After showing him only 11, the emperor became enraged and ordered the men to immediately find a twelfth. The first animal spotted just happened to be a farmer's pig. Whatever story you have heard, below are the animals listed in order. I have also added the birth year and some personal characteristics of these animals, or rather people. By now you’re probably thinking this information is good for little more than cocktail parties. But let me share a little secret with you. It also comes in handy with the ladies. After all, chicks love astrology. Example: Have you ever asked a girl her birthday, and in turn she asks yours? Then she comments that you must be an Aries and she too is a fire sign. Adding that you two would totally get along because you are both creative and caring and blah blah blah etc. You can thank me later. In the meantime, read on and see if you discover anything new about yourself. If you’re lucky, next time I’ll explain how to identify your compatible Chinese sign.
Rat (’60,’72, ’84) hardworking, ambitious, perfectionists, loving
Ox (’61, ‘73’ ’85) calm, patient, eloquent speakers, hot-tempered
Tiger (’62, ’74, ’86) free-spirited, indecisive, authoritative, suspicious of others
Rabbit (’63, ’75, ’87) cautious, reserved, gentle, fashionable
Dragon (’64, ’76) energetic, confident, sensitive, honest
Snake (’65, ’77) quiet, pensive, passionate, attractive
Horse (’66, ’78) charismatic, cheerful, self-reliant, adventurous
Sheep (’67, ’79) creative, shy, charming, practical
Monkey (’68, ’80) clever, care-free, diplomatic, fickle
Rooster (’69, ’81) eccentric, trustworthy, sociable, outspoken
Dog (’70, ’82) faithful, honest, judgmental, stubborn
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