2019 – Year of the Pig

Renee Lehman

(2/2019) The Chinese New Year (also called the Lunar New Year or Chinese Spring Festival), one of the traditional Chinese festivals, is the grandest and the most important festival for Chinese people. It originated during the Shang Dynasty (about 17th - 11th century BCE), and it is an important time for families to get together, similar to Christmas Day for westerners. It is also a time to hope for the return of spring, to welcome prosperity, wealth, and longevity, and a time to remove any negative qi (pronounced "chee") from the past. There is even a tradition prior to the New Year for every family to thoroughly clean the house to sweep away any ill-fortune in hopes of making way for good incoming luck.

Chinese Calendar History

The Chinese calendar was originated by the Yellow Emperor Huang Ti, and has been in use for centuries. The Chinese calendar is called a lunar calendar but is really a calendar based on the moon and the sun. The Gregorian calendar, which the world uses today (originated 430 years ago) is a solar calendar. (The Chinese Lunar New Year always begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice, in case you were wondering why it’s on a different date every year.)

The Twelve Animals of the Chinese Calendar

The Chinese calendar is made of five, twelve-year cycles. Each of the twelve years of the Chinese calendar is appointed one of the following 12 animal’s names (in this order): rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon (the only mythological animal), snake, horse, goat/sheep, monkey, fowl/rooster, dog, and pig. The animal that rules the year of your birth is said to exercise a major influence over your life, and that year in general. Much of the information used for this article is taken from The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes by Theodora and Laura Lau, 2007. The sign of the Pig/Boar is the twelfth sign of the Chinese zodiac, and the animal related to this coming New Year. The Pig last animal sign in the Chinese zodiac. The Pig tends to be peaceful, except when angered, which is rare. The Pig is a sign of honesty, simplicity, and great strength. Pigs also tend to be characterized as gallant, sturdy, and courageous. To the Chinese, the Pig values family, friend, and home. In fact, the Chinese symbol for home is a roof with a pig under it!

The Pig

Of all God’s children I have the purest heart.
With innocence and faith, I walk in Love’s protective light.
By giving of myself freely I am richer and twice blest.
Bonded to all mankind by common fellowship,
my goodwill is universal and knows no bounds.
-      I AM THE PIG. (Lau & Lau, 2007)

February 5, 2019 through January 24, 2020 is the Year of the Pig.

Pig Personality

If you were born in one of the following years, your sign is the Pig (February 16, 1923 – February 4, 1924; February 4, 1935 - January 23, 1936; January 22, 1947 – February 9, 1948; February 8, 1959 - January 27, 1960; January 27, 1971 - January 15, 1972; February 13, 1983 - February 1, 1984; January 31, 1995 – February 18, 1996; and February 18, 2007 – February 6, 2008). A person born in the year of the Pig is one of the most natural people you could ever meet. Pigs are the original nice guys, winner of the "Charlie Brown" award. They are very popular and sought after because they seek universal harmony. Sure, the Pig will have fights and differences with others, but will not carry grudges unless you give him/her no choice.

The Pig is blessed with great endurance and can work diligently on one thing at a time. The Pig will elect to work hard in life and will play just as hard, too. Although intelligent and well-informed, the Pig is not deep. S/he accepts things at face value.

Overall, the loyal and thoughtful Pig will make lasting and beneficial friendships. Credibility and sincerity are the Pigs best assets. However, the Pig is equally known for his/her excessive pursuit of pleasure, and even depravity when he/she gives into his/her negative traits. Often, the saint and sinner are intertwined. The Pig can be a bit too jovial and condescending at times and expects others to tolerate his/her weaknesses. Most of the Pig’s problems stem from his/her overgenerous and overoptimistic nature.

Famous People born in the Year of the Pig:

• Andre Agassi, American Tennis Player
• Lucille Ball, American Actress and Comedian
• Prince Rainier III of Monaco
• Maria Callas, Greek Soprano
• Henry Kissinger, American Secretary of State
• Ronald Reagan, American President
• Glenn Close, American Actress
• Andrew Jackson, American President
• Sir Elton John, British Singer and Songwriter
• Julie Andrews, British Singer and Actress
• King Hussein of Jordan
• Humphrey Bogart, American Actor
• Ernest Hemingway, American Writer
• And of course, Miss Piggy!!!!

General Predictions for the Year of the Pig

We can expect mixed energies during the Year of the Pig, although there should be good news on the horizon with world events. Internationally, most relationships should be harmonious and amicable.

Overall, this is a good year for business. The Year of the Pig is a year in which you may be more likely to work harder. However, the Chinese saying is that "Businesses should plan in the Pig Year and launch new projects and expand in the Rat Year," which is in 2020.

People will be more caring, considerate and nurturing this year, and more willing to help others. Remember to also take loving care of yourself and nurture yourself this year. This is a very good year for dealing with family issues and overcoming previous hurts. It is also a good year for cultivating all domestic skills – like cooking, gardening, etc.

Quotes to Live by in the Year of the Pig

"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom." - Thomas Jefferson

"Your conscience is the measure of the honesty of your selfishness. Listen to it carefully." - Richard Bach

"There is no one on the planet to compare with moi." - Miss Piggy

Renee Lehman is a licensed acupuncturist and physical therapist with over 30 years of health care experience. Her office is located at 249B York Street in Gettysburg, PA. She can be reached at 717-752-5728.