Chinese people believe that a good start to the year will lead to a lucky year. The main celebrations include eating ‘reunion’ dinner with the family, giving red envelopes of money, firecrackers and new clothes. Houses and streets are decorated with lucky red items. Red is a colour of energy, happiness and good luck.
In China, the red envelopes are known as hongbao (red packets) and they contain money and are given mostly to children and elders. The money must be crisp, new notes. More recently, younger people send ‘red envelopes’ via online money transfer through WeChat (China’s messaging app).
Each Chinese New Year is characterised by one of 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac. It is divided into 12 blocks (or houses) just like its western counterparts, but with one major difference being each house has a time length of one year instead of one month.
The Pig is the 12th of the zodiac animals in the cycle. In Chinese culture, Pigs are the symbol of wealth. Pigs have a beautiful personality, and their chubby faces and big ears are signs of good fortune in life.
Recent years of the Pig are 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, and 2031.
Lucky things for Pigs
Numbers: 2, 5, 8, and numbers containing them (like 25 and 58)
Days: the 17th and 24th of every Chinese lunar month
Colours: yellow, grey, brown, gold
Flowers: hydrangea and daisy
Direction: east and southwest
Months: the 2nd, 7th, 10th, and 11th Chinese lunar months
Unlucky things for Pigs
Colours: red, blue, green
Numbers: 1, 7, 9
Personality and characteristics
Pigs might not stand out in a crowd. But they are very realistic. Though not wasteful spenders, they will let themselves enjoy life. They love entertainment and will occasionally treat themselves. They are a bit materialistic, but this is motivation for them to work hard. They are energetic and are always enthusiastic.
Men born in the Pig year are optimistic and gentle. They are very focused. Once they decide on a goal, they’ll put everything into it. They are not the best with money. Though cool-headed, they are also gullible.
Women born in the Pig year are full of excitement. They attend social events whenever possible and treat everyone genuinely. Combined with their easy-going personality, they gain everyone’s trust.
Most compatible with Pig: Tiger, Rabbit, Goat
Pigs are the most compatible with Tigers. The brave Tiger gives Pigs the security they need. The Rabbit will be attracted by the Pig’s intelligence and warmth. With the Goat, there are many common interests and topics.
Least compatible with Pig: Snake, Monkey
Pigs and Snakes have clashing personalities and are the least compatible. They have biases against each other and can’t compromise. It’s hard to get along with Monkeys as well. The relationship is full of tension.
Careers fit for Pigs
Pigs are gentle and rarely lose their temper. They’ll always try to compromise and settle things quickly. Because their goal in life is for everyone to live in harmony, they are suitable for careers related to charity and fundraisers.
They are also very tolerant and understanding. If someone makes a mistake, they’ll try to help the person fix it. They are patient and want the best for everyone. This makes them great teachers and coaches.
Famous Pig year people
Henry Ford (Founder of the Ford Motor Company, born July 30 1863)
Ronald Reagan (40th US President, born February 6 1911)
Arnold Schwarzenegger (Former Governor of California, born July 30 1947)
Hilary Clinton (Former First Lady of the US, born October 26 1947)
Things to be avoided on the first day of Chinese New Year.
From all at Babel, we wish all Pigs a happy, healthy and prosperous Chinese New Year! Want to learn about how you can work more effectively with your Chinese colleagues, clients and suppliers? Request a sample course outline. All our courses are tailored to your needs and delivered at a location of your choice.