The Chinese zodiac is a cultural tradition, shared here for reflection, not as a prediction or a Buddhist teaching.
The Pig in Chinese tradition
The Pig closes the cycle, the last animal to arrive in the old race story. In Chinese tradition it stands for warmth, generosity and enjoying life's simple comforts, and it is a symbol of plenty.
Traits traditionally linked with the Pig
Tradition describes people born in Pig years as:
- Warm and generous
- Easygoing and sincere
- Kind and forgiving
- Enjoys simple pleasures
And, like everyone, with a few growing edges:
- Can be too trusting
- May avoid difficult tasks
- Can overindulge
Treat these as a mirror, not a destiny. In the Buddhist view, character grows from what we intend and do each day.
Pig years
The zodiac year begins at the Lunar New Year, in late January or February. If your birthday falls before that date, your animal is the one from the year before.
- 1935Wood Pigfrom Feb 4
- 1947Fire Pigfrom Jan 22
- 1959Earth Pigfrom Feb 8
- 1971Metal Pigfrom Jan 27
- 1983Water Pigfrom Feb 13
- 1995Wood Pigfrom Jan 31
- 2007Fire Pigfrom Feb 18
- 2019Earth Pigfrom Feb 5
Compatible animals, in tradition
Tradition groups the animals into four "trines" of natural allies. The Pig's trine is the Rabbit and the Goat. Its "secret friend" is the Tiger, and the sign said to clash with it is the Snake, six places away in the cycle. These pairings are folklore; any two people can grow a good friendship with patience and care.
A practice for the Pig
A generous heart begins the day well. A short morning prayer turns natural warmth into a steady intention.
Begin with gratitude: the morning prayer with its English meaning. Try the Buddhist morning prayer.
Want to check your animal from your full birth date? Use the zodiac animal finder.