The holiday season is finally over — or so, you thought. If you haven’t finalized your New Year’s resolution yet, you have until February 5 to iron out the details. It is the official beginning of 2019, according to the traditional Chinese calendar. And after a twelve-year cycle, the pig returns as we celebrate 2019, the Year of the Golden Pig.
Hold Up — Year of the What, Now?
I might have difficulty believing you if you say that you aren’t familiar with the relevance of these 12 animals to the Asian community: pig, rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, and dog. The Filipino-Chinese community has been celebrating the Lunar New Year for over 400 years, so you’re bound to hear about it at least once in your life. After all, what do you think the sticky tikoy, the red envelopes of money, and the dragon dances are for?
The next animal on the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac is the pig. And to make it even more interesting (or confusing), the tradition also follows a 60-year cycle based on the combination of the Chinese zodiac animal and one of these elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, or water.
The coming Lunar New Year symbolizes the Earth Pig, which is symbolized by the colors yellow and gold. And according to the lunar calendar, the Year of the Golden Pig will be from February 5, 2019 to January 24, 2020.
OK, It’s the Year of the Pig — So, What?
Because I was born on the Year of the Pig two cycles ago, I look forward to what this year brings. But I’m not the only one excited about what the Year of the Golden Pig has to offer.
Pigs symbolize wealth, abundance, and good fortune. (This is why coin banks come in the shape of a pig. You learn something new every day.) So people who follow the Chinese zodiac can’t wait to see the year unfold and discover the good things that the year has in store for them.
Learn a little bit about the coming Lunar New Year before you start cooking tikoy, buying round fruits for the table, putting money in red envelopes, and looking up the nearest festivals in the hope of getting lucky. Here is how the next twelve months will be like based on your Chinese zodiac:
- Pig: The Pig is sturdy, determined, and generous. You will reap the benefits of your hard work and kindness this year. Look forward to a steady increase in health as well as to more room for personal and career growth than you experienced in 2018.
- Rat: The Rat and the Pig are successful partners in business and social settings alike. With your sharp intellect and ability to follow through with meaningful action, expect that you will fare well throughout the Year of the Golden Pig.
- Ox: Like the Pig, the Ox is a reliable and sturdy animal. This year will be fruitful as long as you take time to make informed decisions. By keeping your stubbornness and strong will in check, this year will be full of rewards.
- Tiger: According to the Chinese zodiac, the Tiger and the Pig are an ideal romantic pair. Your love life and personal relationships are likely to improve this year. Remember to stay humble and prepare for challenging situations that lead to life lessons.
- Rabbit: Just like the Pig, the Rabbit is a kind and gentle animal. The Rabbit is a more agile and skillful animal, though. With the right attitude, you can easily navigate your way through the Year of the Golden Pig.
- Dragon: The Pig provides the calmness and stability that the fierce and excitable Dragon needs to proper. No matter how challenging things may get, keep moving forward. Career and monetary success are not far from your reach.
- Snake: The Snake and the Pig may be polar opposites, but this does not mean that the year will be a bad one for you. The Year of the Golden Pig will be prosperous. You just have to work hard and be patient. You’ll get your reward soon enough.
- Horse: Similar to the Ox’s fortune, the Year of the Golden Pig will be prosperous for you. But you have to stay calm at all times. Otherwise, the giddy and self-centered Horse might miss out on opportunities and rewards.
- Goat: The Pig and the Goat are both gentle and loving animals. A romantic connection is not surprising, then. You might deal with emotional turmoil at times but work hard to stay level headed. Your relationships will flourish this year.
- Monkey: The calm and patient Pig may not be a huge fan of the chaotic and overly energetic Monkey. Take some time to reflect and determine your areas of improvement. Growth and development will follow.
- Rooster: The Pig provides the stability that the diligent and hardworking Rooster needs to take off financially. You might just be lucky with money this year so invest, build an empire, and never forget to save up for a rainy day.
- Dog: There’s always a rainbow after the rain. The last year may have been challenging for the Dog, but the Golden Pig will make sure all your hard work pays off. Don’t expect change to happen instantly, though. It will be gradual.
Generally speaking, the Year of the Golden Pig will be auspicious because the Pig attracts good luck and fortune in all aspects of life. This is an ideal year for you to invest and move up the career ladder. It is also perfect for fostering filial, platonic, and romantic relationships.
That said, have courage! Who knows what opportunity lies just around the corner?
Make This Year Your Own — Believe in Yourself
"I want to hear your voice… No matter who you are, where you’re from, your skin colour, gender identity: speak yourself.”
We ? @BTS_twt's inspiring message to young people around the world at the @UN General Assembly. #ENDviolence #GenUnlimited
Most ? viewed of 2018. pic.twitter.com/EnnqIbMEYR
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) December 22, 2018
A couple of years ago, the South Korean idol group BTS launched the Love Myself campaign with UNICEF. This is in line with the release of their “Love Yourself” albums with songs that urge the youth to know, accept, and love themselves. During the launch of Generation Unlimited at the UN General Assembly last September 2018, Kim Nam Jun (RM) of BTS took the campaign one step further by encouraging young people to find their voice and speak what’s on their mind.
In addition to loving and speaking for yourself, I say you should believe in yourself. Regardless of what the Chinese zodiac says or what the people around you say, keep in mind that only you can control your future. Your own perspective and hard work will help you achieve your goals this year — with a little help from the Golden Pig, of course!