Chinese Zodiac: Pig
Yin-yang: Yin
Symbolic qualities
- generous
- good-hearted
- tolerant
- enjoys life
The last sign of the cycle, the Pig is the symbol of generosity and good will. It likes to share and trusts people. Its shadow side is struggling to set limits and neglecting itself.
The inward, receptive, nurturing side. In yin years the element is expressed in a calmer, deeper way.
Cultural note
In Chinese folk tradition the pig is often linked with plenty and being well fed. The character Zhu Bajie in Journey to the West is known for his greed and laziness; the book shows the animal as the comic face of appetite and worldly pleasures.
Things you might reflect on
- How does what you share come back to you?
- Is there a place where setting a limit might do you good?
- As this cycle closes, what would you like to give thanks for?
Years it falls on
Each year begins at Lunar New Year; the date varies between 21 January and 20 February.
- 1911 · Metal · 30 January 1911
- 1923 · Water · 16 February 1923
- 1935 · Wood · 4 February 1935
- 1947 · Fire · 22 January 1947
- 1959 · Earth · 8 February 1959
- 1971 · Metal · 27 January 1971
- 1983 · Water · 13 February 1983
- 1995 · Wood · 31 January 1995
- 2007 · Fire · 18 February 2007
- 2019 · Earth · 5 February 2019
- 2031 · Metal · 23 January 2031
- 2043 · Water · 10 February 2043
- 2055 · Wood · 28 January 2055
- 2067 · Fire · 14 February 2067
- 2079 · Earth · 2 February 2079
- 2091 · Metal · 18 February 2091
This animal with the five elements
In the tradition the year's element adds a tone to the animal's character. It is a cultural reading and does not define a person.
- Wood Pig
- Water feeds wood and the pig gives: generous, creative and sharing. It learns to set limits so that what it gives can come back.
- Fire Pig
- Water tempers fire: passions balanced, pleasure measured. It keeps its warmth heating without burning.
- Earth Pig
- Earth frames water: a more disciplined pig that looks for structure. Its generosity takes an orderly form.
- Metal Pig
- Metal feeds water: a clear and generous, deepening kindness. It says what it wants more easily.
- Water Pig
- The pig doubled in its own element: intuition and generosity are intense. Setting limits and keeping a share for itself matter even more.
The five elements
- Wood
- Growth, flexibility and generosity. Wood symbolises the energy that puts out new shoots and makes room for others.
- Fire
- Passion, warmth and visibility. Fire symbolises the energy that spreads enthusiasm but needs to be kept in balance.
- Earth
- Balance, patience and nourishment. Earth symbolises the energy that holds things together and gives a sense of security.
- Metal
- Clarity, resolve and essence. Metal symbolises the energy that clears away the unnecessary and polishes what matters.
- Water
- Intuition, adaptability and depth. Water symbolises the energy that finds its way by flowing around obstacles.
The twelve animals
For entertainment and self-reflection. Year animals are presented as cultural history and character symbolism; they do not tell you what a year holds.
The images on this page were generated with AI.