The pig is the 12th of the 12 Zodiac animals, and myths tell some rather amusing stories about how the pig earned its place in the pecking order.
One such myth suggests Jade the Emperor invited 12 animals to his party, and the order of those animals would be determined by when they arrived. As the legend goes, the pig overslept and was the last to arrive.
Another myth suggests the pig was the last animal to arrive at the party because a wolf destroyed its house.
But revelers should not mistake the pig’s placement for bad fortune. In fact, according to Travel China Guide, the pig has been regarded as wealth because it has no plan to harm others. ChineseNewYear.net also notes that pigs’ chubby faces and big ears are also symbolic of fortune.
Several characteristics distinguish men and women born in the pig year. Men are optimistic, gentle and very focused, while women easily gain others’ trust because they are easygoing and treat everyone genuinely. Because they’re full of excitement, women born in the pig year can sometimes seem over-friendly. Women born in a pig year are organized and hard-working, which translates to wealth. They also love children.
In 2019, Chinese New Year officially begins on February 5, continuing for two weeks until celebrations draw to a close on February 19.
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