Chinese New Years are named after 12 animals, known as the Animals of the Chinese Zodiac. These animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. A person is assigned their Chinese zodiac sign from the name of the Chinese Year of their birth.
Advocates of Chinese astrology believe that typical people born under each sign of the Chinese zodiac have a set of characteristics and character traits, both positive and negative. These characteristics and character traits may not fully apply to every individual born under that sign.
Chinese astrology also believes these character traits are affected by the five Chinese elements, Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth.
Pig Characteristics
People born in the Year of the Pig tend to be intellectually curious, honest, and tolerant. Pigs can usually be relied on for their loyalty, often making true friends for life.
Pigs are usually well regarded for their chivalry and pureness of heart, and often put the greater good before their own well-being. Serving others is their main goal in life. However, Pigs can be very naive, seeing everyone as loyal and caring as they are, leading to them being taken advantage of.
Most Pigs love to read, with a thirst for knowledge. Although not naturally talkative, they will discuss topics of interest with like-minded Pigs.
Pigs are usually trusted employees and colleagues in their career of choice, and make good entertainers, social activists, and politicians
Pig Character Traits
People born in the Year of the Pig tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: honest, gallant, sturdy, sociable, peace-loving, patient, loyal, hard-working, trusting, sincere, calm, understanding, thoughtful, scrupulous, passionate, intelligent
- Negative traits: naïve, over-reliant, self-indulgent, gullible, fatalistic, materialistic
Influence of Western Zodiac Signs on Pigs
Read about how the characteristics and character traits of people born in the Year of the Pig are influenced by the Western Zodiac Sign under which they are born.
Birthstone: Garnet
Each Chinese zodiac sign has an associated birthstone, that is intended to support the strengths of the zodiac sign, and to compensate for its weaknesses.
The ruby is the birthstone for people born in the Year of the Pig. Rubies are associated with fortune, health, glory, fame, blood, heat, tactics, courage, intelligence, and leadership. Chinese legends refer to the ruby as "The Stone of the Famous". Rubies are red in color, varying from pink to blood-red.
Precious Flower: Narcissus
Each Chinese zodiac sign has an associated precious flower, which have a special meaning in Chinese culture.
The chrysanthemum is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Pig. The chrysanthemum is one of the most decorative and sweet flowers. In some parts of China chrysanthemum leaves are boiled to produce a special tea, which it is believed is a cure-all. Recent studies have shown that chrysanthemum flowers may reduce air pollution in indoor environments.
Dates for Year of the Pig
The Year of the Pig is the twelfth and last animal in the cycle of 12. It last occured in 2007, and will occur again in 2019.
Compatibility of Pigs with other Signs of the Chinese Zodiac
Chinese astrology uses the character traits associated with each zodiac sign to determine if two people are compatible. Followers of Chinese astrology consider this compatibility before commencing a business or personal relationship.
Typically, Pigs are compatible with Rabbits and Sheep, but are incompatible with Snakes.
Pig Horoscope for 2012
Chinese horoscopes typically make forecasts for the next year in general, and for each Chinese zodiac sign in more detail. For more information, see Chinese Astrology – Horoscope for 2012 Year of the Dragon.
Sources:
Chinese Astrology - Zodiac Signs
The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes, Theodora Lau, published by Souvenir Press, New York, 2005
Chinese Horoscopes - The Pig
Lucky Chinese Horoscope Gem Stones
Chinese Astrology and Precious Flowers
Mark Tibbits - A professional writer and educator who writes about Astrology, South Asia/China, the UK, the British Royal Family, and Religion.
Join the Conversation