Year of the Pig: Chinese Zodiac Meaning and Years

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Updated: July 16, 2023
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Shengxiao, the Chinese word for “zodiac,” denotes the ring of 12 animals that serve as timekeepers. The lunar year of your birth determines your sign or animal. According to legend, a god asked all creatures to wish him farewell before leaving Earth. 

Only 12 of them came to say their goodbyes. These 12 include the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. According to the order of their arrival, each was granted a position of honor for a year.

Infographic of Year of the Pig
Those born in the year of the pig can be passionate about science and have a big appetite for information.

The Years of the Pig

pig

The pig is the final sign in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

©Chumash Maxim/Shutterstock.com

In the Chinese zodiac’s 12-year cycle, the pig is the final sign. It has long been associated with luck and fortune. It can make people wealthy, is submissive, and has no intention of causing harm to anyone. 

Also, people are attracted to it for its pudgy features and big ears. Yet, because pigs prefer to eat and rest a lot and get fat, they are sometimes not seen as intelligent animals in China and exhibit sloth and carelessness as well.

The chart below provides further information, including precise dates and elements, concerning the years that saw the birth of people under the year of the pig. Your precise lunar calendar birthday is required for establishing your zodiac sign because the Chinese zodiac is always determined using that calendar, which fluctuates somewhat from the Gregorian calendar.

YearDatesElement
1935February 4, 1935 – January 23, 1936Wood
1947January 22, 1947 – February 9, 1948Fire
1959February 8, 1959 – January 27, 1960Earth
1971January 27, 1971 – February 14, 1972Metal
1983February 13, 1983 – February 1, 1984Water
1995January 30, 1995 – February 18, 1996Wood
2007February 17, 2007 – February 6, 2008Fire
2019February 4, 2019 – January 24, 2020Earth
2031January 22, 2031 – February 10, 2032Metal

Pigs and the Elements

As seen in the table above, there are different types of elements paired with each year. The elements assigned to your year of birth can affect all aspects of who you are. Let’s take a look at what each element means for those born in the year of the pig. 

Metal 

These pigs keep to themselves. Being somewhat uninterested and indolent, they pay attention to their task. If they concentrate more on it, they’ll undoubtedly be successful. Yet kids need to develop their saving and budgeting skills. If not, their financial fortune will be lost.

Water

These pigs are earnest and diligent. Although they are brimming with ideas, they are readily swayed by others. This is advantageous in romantic relationships. They are good listeners and communicators with their loved ones. They are fortunate and will have enough money saved up to retire and enjoy their lives. 

Earth

These pigs are buddies with people from all walks of life and are social people. They have a significant amount of support at work and in their personal lives. They lead privileged lives and are able to be happy with what they have. Success comes to them later in life. These pigs might need to focus on being more romantic since this may not come naturally. 

Fire

These pigs are extremely reliant on other people. They are better suited for tasks that demand cooperation and collaboration. They can create a strong foundation for their profession if they concentrate on a certain ability. 

These pigs don’t need to worry because they are proficient with money in that area as well. They get on well with everybody and are fairly well-liked. But, romantic partnerships are more difficult.

Wood

These pigs are adorable and sincere. They don’t mind if there isn’t any money. Nonetheless, they must continue to save and maintain an emergency fund. They approach every challenge gently and take each day as it comes. Their partnerships are simple but harmonious.

Personality Type of Pigs

Year of the Pig - Pig Zodiac

Pig personalities may come across as a wallflower and enjoy occasionally indulging themselves.

©Natalia Andreychenko/Shutterstock.com

Pigs might blend in with their environment and may come across as a wallflower. Yet they’re incredibly grounded in reality. Others might be all words without any deeds. Contrarily, pigs are. They won’t be extravagant spenders, but they will allow themselves to have fun. 

They enjoy entertainment and indulge themselves on occasion. Pigs have a tendency toward materialism, yet this drives them to put forth extra effort. They feel more secure when they can grasp heavy objects. 

They are passionate and vivacious, even when it comes to boring or tedious tasks. The people born in the year of the pig will likely take high-ranking jobs if given the opportunity. Pigs demand that because they feel that only those individuals are entitled to lead! 

Career Options for Pigs

Classroom

Due to their personality type, Chinese zodiac pigs may excel at teaching.

©BlurryMe/Shutterstock.com

Because Chinese zodiac pigs tend to be more upright and tranquil than other signs, they are not suited to pursue advancement in highly competitive fields like finance or business. Instead, they could excel in the public sector as competent teachers or government employees. 

Pigs are naturally passionate about science and art and have a tremendous appetite for information, making professors and artists excellent professions for them. They enjoy working with plants and animals because they adore the natural world.

Health for the Year of the Pig

Those who were born in the Year of the Pig typically have strong bodies and considerable strength, which contributes to their health and vigor. Even if they are troubled by minor illnesses like tonsillitis, asthma, and bronchitis when they are young, they will heal as they become older if they consume a nutritious diet and work out frequently. 

Pigs should be mindful of their mental health, though, as they frequently experience a lot of pressure from their lives and jobs. Long-term emotional stress can weaken the immune system and cause illness. Regular conversations with friends and, if necessary, psychological advice are advised.

Pigs also have extremely active lifestyles. They must remember to take pauses even if they don’t feel weary. Pigs’ health is also affected by seasonal fluctuations. They could be susceptible to respiratory illnesses. Diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart issues can all result from poor diets. 

Pigs don’t give up easily under pressure. Although it might not be present here, this is a good quality in the workplace. Pigs must learn to treat minor ailments seriously and undergo routine exams in order to maintain good health.

Compatibility With Pigs

Siberian tiger with its tongue out

Chinese zodiac pigs get along the best with tigers.

©Thorsten Spoerlein/Shutterstock.com

Tigers and pigs get along the best. Pigs are given the protection they require by the fearless tiger. The pig’s kindness and intelligence will appeal to the rabbit as well. There are a lot of shared hobbies and subjects with the goat.

The least amicable with the pigs are snakes because their personalities collide. They are biased against one another and unable to come to an agreement. Monkeys are also challenging to get along with. The connection is tense throughout.

Gender and the Year of the Pig

Pig

Characteristics of a Chinese zodiac pig could change based on a person’s gender.

©iStock.com/AlexRaths

Similar to your zodiac sign, the year of the pig can differ slightly based on your gender. Men born in the year of the pig are upbeat and kind. They pay close attention. Once they’ve chosen a project, they’ll give it their all. 

They don’t handle money well. These men are cool-headed but also credulous. People are easily duped and have a tendency to trust others. They might lose a lot of money as a result. Although they enjoy studying, they struggle to express what they have learned. 

They don’t engage in discussion yet are friendly to everyone. As a result, there is a sizable social circle. Every time they encounter a problem, someone steps forward to offer assistance. More people will adore them despite the lies they will get.

Women born in the year of the pig are eager and enthusiastic. They try to be present at social gatherings and are kind to everyone. They win everybody’s trust because of their laid-back demeanor. 

Women born in the year of the pig can, however, be overly friendly. They could forget to respect others’ personal boundaries in their eagerness. 

They are also fortunate in terms of riches. These women will succeed if they persist in their efforts. Even though they don’t have a head start, their diligence will ensure that money continues to come in.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © l i g h t p o e t/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

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