Pig (zodiac)

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Hai (亥) is the twelfth sign of the Earthly Branches. Its animal representation is the Boar ( 豬). In Chinese culture, the boar is associated with fertility and virility. To bear children in the year of the boar is considered to be very fortunate, for they will be happy and honest.[1]

The twelve animals

of Chinese zodiac:
Rat Ox
Tiger Rabbit
Dragon Snake
Horse Sheep
Monkey Rooster
Dog Pig

In the continuous sexagenary cycle, every twelfth year corresponds to Hai, and is commonly called "the Year of the boar" (豬年).There are five types of boar, named after the Chinese elements. In order, they are: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. Less commonly, it is also called "the Year of the Boar", for two reasons. First, the character 豬, which denotes pigs generally in Chinese, is used in Japanese to refer specifically to wild boars.[2] Secondly, the pig has negative connotations in some Western cultures, and may even be considered a profanity. In official usage among English-speaking countries, Singapore[3] and the United States[4] prefer the term "Year of the Boar", while Commonwealth countries such as Australia [5] [6], Canada[7] and the United Kingdom[8] prefer the term "Year of the Pig".[citation needed]

Contents

[edit] Years and the Five Elements

People born within these date ranges, of the lunar calendar, can be said to have been born in the "year of the Pig," while also bearing the following elemental sign:

Note, however, that the elements identified in the above table are the elements associated with the relevant Heavenly Stem of that year. The Earthly Branch sign Hai (the sign represented by the Pig) itself is always associated with the element of Water.

[edit] Attributes

According to Chinese astrology, someone born in the year of the Boar is usually an honest, straightforward and patient person. They are a modest, shy character who prefers to work quietly behind the scenes. When others despair, they are often there to offer support. This type of person is reserved with those they do not know too well, but as time passes and they gain confidence, those around them may discover a lively and warm-hearted person behind that mask of aloofness. Despite those born in the year of the Boar having a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, they have few close friends who understand them and share their inner thoughts and feelings. It is easy to put trust in Boars; they won't let you down and will never even attempt to do so. Such people simply want to do everything right according to social norms.[9]

It is important to remember that these people are not vengeful creatures, and if someone has tried to take and advantage of them, the pig type tend to withdraw to reflect on the problem and protect themselves. All they need in such situation is only a little time to find a constructive way to respond. The people of the pig type are considered conservative types. They dislike to travel too far but they love nature and are happier when they are out somewhere, far away from the city.

There is a tolerant and peaceful side to their character. Such people are never afraid to allow others their freedom of expression; they do not want to cause arguments and if there is any way to avoid arguing, they will probably take this option. However, they are not weak and if the situation forces them to fight, these people will rise to the occasion, whether it is to defend themselves or those close to them. People of this sign are the ones who everyone admires most and everyone can make a list of the Pigs in their life as some of the nicest, most loving and caring people around.

There is also a wider view that people of this sign are dreamers, and at times they certainly are, but it is important to remember that they are also smart enough to realize what is going on. Their reputation is also important to them, and although these people are happy to be the target of gentle jokes, there is always a possibility to feel hurt when someone is trying to accuse them or is behaving aggressively against them.

Generally and no matter how old they get this people still only see and believe that all men and women are basically good. The personalities of this sign constantly sacrifice their own happiness and comfort for the sake of their closed ones.
Best friends for the boar is the Sheep, Boar, Horse, Tiger, Rabbit, and Monkey.[9]

[edit] Traditional Pig Attributes/Associations

Zodiac Location 12th
Ruling hours 9pm-11pm
Direction North-northwest
Season and month Autumn, November
Lunar Month Dates November 8-December 6
Gemstone Topaz
Color dark green and blue and gold
Roughly equivalent western sign Scorpio
Polarity Yin
Positive Traits Caring, lovable, nice, protective, hospitable, hardworking, warm-hearted, wise, gentle, strong, trustworthy, modest, patient, honest, intelligent.
Negative Traits Possessive, shy, greedy, materialistic, overly-sensitive, vulnerable, self-indulgent, childish, quick-tempered
Countries  Jordan,  Nepal,  Armenia,  Philippines,  Angola,  Lebanon

[edit] References

  1. ^ For a recent report that this belief is still widely held in China, see Edward Cody, "Oh, to be Born in the Year of the Pig," Washington Post (March 1, 2007).[1]
  2. ^ The Japanese instead use the character 豚 to refer specifically to the domestic pig. In Chinese, the two characters (豚 and 豬) are not differentiated in this way.
  3. ^ The Singapore Mint - 2007 Year of the Boar Note, however, that the commemorative coin concerned carries an image of the domesticated pig.
  4. ^ United States Postal Service - 1995 stamps
  5. ^ Australia Post - Lunar New Year - Year of the Pig
  6. ^ City of Sydney - Chinese New Year Celebrations
  7. ^ Canada Post - Year of the Pig stamps
  8. ^ Mayor of London - China in London
  9. ^ a b The Year of the Pig, the sign of Chinese Zodiac
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