The Chinese Zodiac
In the ancient Chinese lunar calendar, 2007 is the Year of the Pig
The Chinese New Year celebrates a cyclical calendar of the 12 recurring years, each assigned to an animal sign. This year it's the Pig or the Boar's turn.
In contrast to the Western linear concept of time and the Western solar calendar, the Chinese Zodiac is a cyclical, lunar calendar of 12 recurring years, each occurring under the sign of an animal. For instance, if you were born in 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, or 2007, then you’re a Pig (or a Boar). And then you are to be congratulated, because 2007 is the Year of the Pig. You may start celebrating on 18 February, when the Chinese New Year begins.
The Chinese Animal Zodiac was introduced by Emperor Huang Ti in 2600 BC, making this New Lunar Year 4705. The first day of each New Year always falls on the first New Moon, so always between late January and the middle of February.
Much like the Western Lunar Zodiac of Pisces, Leo, etc., each year is assigned to a different animal sign: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. In Chinese folklore, the perceived real-life qualities of these animals are the basis for horoscopes identifying your personal character and predicting what kind of year and/or month you will have.
That’s good news, if you’re a Pig. According to your horoscope, you are hard-working, gallant, curious, honest, and loyal in your friendships. It’s true: all the Pigs I know are. You are most compatible with Rabbits and Sheep, who also seems to be really nice. And this year (since it is your year), you will overcome all obstacles.
According to legend, twelve animals quarreled about who would begin the cycle of years. To settle the issue, the gods organized a contest: the years would be distributed according to the order in which the animal reached the opposite bank of a river. All the animals jumped in. The rat jumped on the ox’s back. When the ox, who was the fastest, was about to climb ashore, the rat jumped off and won the race. The laziest animal, the pig, came in last.
Wait a moment, aren’t Pigs supposed to be hardworking? Let’s judge by the most famous American Pigs: Thomas Jefferson, Lucille Ball, Humphrey Bogart, Ernest Hemingway, Alfred Hitchcock, David Letterman, and (oh dear) Arnold Schwarzenegger. Or by less famous and not American Pigs: Catherine Tse (editor of Travel and Culture) and yours truly.
In any case, the New Year begins with a New Year’s Festival, which ends on the Full Moon 15 days later, with a bang: the Lantern Festival.
Chinese New Year dates:
- 2007: 18 February
- 2008: 7 February
- 2009: 26 January
- 2010: 14 February
Related articles:
- The Chinese New Year Festival
- Chinese New Year in Sydney
- What your Chinese Animal Sign says about your personality and future (coming soon)
Other New Years:
- Jewish New Year (also a lunar calendar)
