The Chinese zodiac is a cultural tradition, shared here for reflection, not as a prediction or a Buddhist teaching.
The Tiger in Chinese tradition
The Tiger comes third, the bold guardian of the forest. In Chinese tradition the Tiger stands for courage and protection, and tiger images were once painted on doors and children's clothes to keep harm away.
Traits traditionally linked with the Tiger
Tradition describes people born in Tiger years as:
- Brave and confident
- Protective of others
- Generous and warm-hearted
- Ready to act
And, like everyone, with a few growing edges:
- Can be impatient
- May rush in before listening
- Pride can make apologies hard
Treat these as a mirror, not a destiny. In the Buddhist view, character grows from what we intend and do each day.
Tiger 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.
- 1938Earth Tigerfrom Jan 31
- 1950Metal Tigerfrom Feb 17
- 1962Water Tigerfrom Feb 5
- 1974Wood Tigerfrom Jan 23
- 1986Fire Tigerfrom Feb 9
- 1998Earth Tigerfrom Jan 28
- 2010Metal Tigerfrom Feb 14
- 2022Water Tigerfrom Feb 1
Compatible animals, in tradition
Tradition groups the animals into four "trines" of natural allies. The Tiger's trine is the Horse and the Dog. Its "secret friend" is the Pig, and the sign said to clash with it is the Monkey, 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 Tiger
It takes courage to be gentle. Wishing a difficult person well is one of the bravest things a Tiger can practice.
Turn courage into kindness: wish one difficult person well today. Try metta meditation.
Want to check your animal from your full birth date? Use the zodiac animal finder.