Chinese Zodiac: Tiger
Yin-yang: Yang
Symbolic qualities
- brave
- passionate
- independent
- charismatic
The Tiger is the symbol of courage that does not shy away from risk. It stands up to unfairness and has a strong presence. Its shadow side is making things hard for itself with hasty decisions.
The outward, initiating, active side. In yang years the element is expressed in a more visible, active way.
Cultural note
In Chinese culture the tiger is a strong, protective symbol; tiger-head motifs on children's hats and shoes are a widespread folk custom made in a spirit of protection.
Things you might reflect on
- In which area would you like to show your courage?
- What would change if you gave yourself a day before a decision?
- How do your independence and your need for closeness sit side by side?
Years it falls on
Each year begins at Lunar New Year; the date varies between 21 January and 20 February.
- 1902 · Water · 8 February 1902
- 1914 · Wood · 26 January 1914
- 1926 · Fire · 13 February 1926
- 1938 · Earth · 31 January 1938
- 1950 · Metal · 17 February 1950
- 1962 · Water · 5 February 1962
- 1974 · Wood · 23 January 1974
- 1986 · Fire · 9 February 1986
- 1998 · Earth · 28 January 1998
- 2010 · Metal · 14 February 2010
- 2022 · Water · 1 February 2022
- 2034 · Wood · 19 February 2034
- 2046 · Fire · 6 February 2046
- 2058 · Earth · 24 January 2058
- 2070 · Metal · 11 February 2070
- 2082 · Water · 29 January 2082
- 2094 · Wood · 15 February 2094
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 Tiger
- The tiger doubled in its own element: courage and generosity are strong, the wish to grow is high. The risk of scattering rises with it.
- Fire Tiger
- Wood feeds fire: courage rises with passion. Its charisma spills outward; a deliberate pause may be needed to catch its breath.
- Earth Tiger
- Wood grips earth: the tiger is more practical and settled. It knows how to tie its boldness to concrete goals.
- Metal Tiger
- Metal trims wood: the tiger gains discipline and clarity. It may feel hard-tested; its courage becomes more measured.
- Water Tiger
- Water feeds wood: flexibility and intuition are added. Courage becomes finer and more strategic, a tiger who reads before stepping on stage.
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.