Chinese New Year: Year of the Pig
The Lunar New Year is beginning next week, and the coming year is the Year of the Pig. To celebrate the New Year, we take a look at the significance of this Chinese zodiac sign, and what it means to be a Pig!
The Story of the Lunar New Year
According to legend, the Jade Emperor invited the animals to meet him on New Year’s Day to become part of the calendar. It was decided that only the first twelve animals to arrive would be designated a year. The first to arrive was the Rat, who is said to have caught a lift on the Ox’s horns, who is the second creature on the calendar. They are followed by the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
The Pig was the last of the animals to arrive for the meeting. There are a few versions of the story explaining why this was the case. In one version, the pig simply overslept and ended up arriving later than the other animals. However, in another tale, the pig’s home was destroyed by a wolf, and he had to rebuild it before he could leave to meet the Emperor, making him late.
What Does The Pig Represent?
The Pig is considered a symbol of fortune and wealth in China, due to the animal’s plumpness and larger ears. People born with this zodiac sign are often considered to be good-tempered, loyal, gentle, honest and warm-hearted. These qualities mean that Pigs will often have good relationships with others, as well as being generous and forgiving. However, as real pigs like to eat and sleep, people born in the Year of the Pig are also typically seen to display negative qualities such as laziness, clumsiness and gullibility.
Which Years Have Been Year of the Pig?
As well as 2019, the years 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995 and 2007 were all Pig years. If you were born during one of those Lunar years, then your Chinese zodiac sign is the Pig.
Which Famous People Were Born in the Year of the Pig?
There are a number of famous people born in the Year of the Pig, including Elton John, Hilary Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Julie Andrews, Ewan McGregor, Henry Ford, Alfred Hitchcock and Ronald Reagan.
Chinese or Lunar New Year celebrations would not be complete without some delicious meals, snacks and desserts. Food is a central theme in the festivities, so make sure you stock up on delicious oriental snacks and sweets to enjoy during the 15-day Lunar New Year period.
