Hi, my name is Mojca. I am from Slovenia in Europe and I and I work as a student advisor at our Shanghai school.Year of the Pig: The Last But Lucky Chinese Zodiac
This Little Piggy Brings Prosperity: Your Guide to the Year of the Pig 🐷
Today, we’re exploring the Year of the Pig! 猪年 (zhū nián)
The Year of the Pig is the 12th and final sign in the Chinese Zodiac cycle and the next one will be in 2031.
Pigs are known for their generosity and compassion. In Chinese culture, their figure is always associated with good fortune.
In this blog, we will explore the Pig sign’s origins, personality traits, compatibility, and cultural importance.
Years of the Pig include: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Year of the Pig Table of Contents
Personality Traits and Characteristics
In Friendships, Relationships, and Work
Role of Pig in Food Traditions
Year of the Pig || A Brief Origin Story
In the Great Zodiac Race, the Pig was the last to finish.
The Pig started late because it overslept, but it didn’t rush or panic.
It stayed calm and made its way through the race, enjoying the moments of the journey.
Even though it was the last to arrive, the Pig completed the race with a cheerful attitude. This shows the Pig’s personality. It is easy-going, content, and always sees the bright side of life.
Year of the Pig || Meaning in Chinese Culture
In Chinese culture, the pig is often depicted as a plump, content, and stable figure.
It is often associated with good luck and a comfortable life. During the Year of the Pig, the “golden pig” is often depicted in art and decorations, symbolizing prosperity, fertility, and the promise of a good harvest.
Pigs represent the idea of enjoying life’s pleasures.
🐷 The term “pig” (猪 zhū) can also imply someone is lazy and indulgent in an extravagant life.
In some less flattering contexts, it is even used to refer to a stupid person.
Year of the Pig || Personality Traits and Characteristics
People born in the Year of the Pig often present themselves as generous, honest, and compassionate people.
They are gentle and loving, always willing to help others.
Pigs are also known for their positive outlook on life.
In many creative works, Pigs often laugh a lot, comforting those around them. They value the simple pleasures in life and are content with what they have.
While that image may seem easy to please and hard to upset, some people may take advantage of it. Some may even treat Pigs people as lazy or unambitious.
But Pigs people remain optimistic and continue to see the best in people.
Chinese Zodiacs || Year of the Dragon (A Complete Guide)
Everything You Need to Know About the Year of the Dragon🐉 Personality, Compatibility and Lucky Symbols 2024 is coming and that means one thing: it’s the Year of the Dragon (龙年 lóng nián)! In this 12-part blog post series, we’re…
Year of the Pig || In Friendships, Relationships, and Work
👯♀️ The Pig Zodiac in Friendship
People born in the Year of the Pig are supportive friends. They are always there to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear.
They are great at creating a safe space. They value deep connections and are always ready to go the extra mile for their friends.
However, they can be too trusting at times. And it can lead to disappointment from friends.
💘 The Pig Zodiac in Relationships
Pigs are loving and affectionate partners.
Pigs are attentive to their partners’ needs and always ensure their loved ones feel cherished. They tend to avoid conflict whenever possible.
Thus, Pigs are most compatible with those who appreciate their nurturing and caring traits. Those born in the Year of the Rabbit, Goat, and Tiger will be great matches with Pig people.
💼 The Pig Zodiac At Work
Pigs are diligent and dedicated workers. They take pride in their work and make reliable employees. They strive to help others and contribute to a positive atmosphere.
Pigs are natural team players and never disappoint in taking responsibility.
They work best with Rabbit, Goat, and Tiger signs.
Want to explore the influence of the zodiac animals on Chinese culture, chat about food or learn some new idioms? Check out our Flexi Classes for on-demand Chinese lessons you can take whenever you like. No awkward time-zone challenges and no awkward fixed schedules.
Year of the Pig || Celebrities
The following celebrities were all born in the Year of the Pig.
Do you think they share a lot of personality crossover?
Elton John: 1947
Hillary Clinton: 1947
Woody Allen: 1935
Arnold Schwarzenegger: 1947
Stephen King: 1947
Julie Andrews: 1935
Winona Ryder: 1971
Year of the Pig || Role of Pig in Food Traditions
In Chinese cuisine, every part of the pig is treasured as an excellent resource for food. From ears to feet, the “nose-to-tail” cooking philosophy can turn a whole pig into an extravagant feast.
Pork is the most consumed meat in China. Dishes like braised pork belly 红烧肉 (hóng shāo ròu) are beloved classics.
In southern China, roast pig 烤乳猪 (kǎo rǔ zhū) is a must at big celebratory feasts, especially during Chinese New Year. It has crispy skin and tender, juicy meat.
Delicacies like:
猪肚 (zhū dù, pig’s stomach) and 猪耳 (zhū ěr, pig’s ear)
are also popular snacks and cold dishes for family dinners.
They have unique flavors, are rich in nutrients and may have regional variances in taste.
Chinese Zodiacs || Year of the Ox 🐂 (A Complete Guide)
The Year of the Ox 🐂 Everything You Need to Know || Luck, Culture and Compatibility In this 12-part blog post series, we’re taking you on a tour of the different Chinese zodiac animals. From what they represent to how…
Year of the Pig || Lucky and Unlucky Symbols
Lucky Symbols for the Year of the Pig
| Lucky Numbers | 2 and 8. For a Pig, 2 represents balance and harmony, while 8 symbolizes prosperity and wealth. |
| Lucky Colors | Yellow, Gray, and Brown. Yellow symbolizes warmth and positivity. Gray represents stability and wisdom. Brown symbolizes reliability and comfort. |
| Lucky Flowers | Hydrangea and Daisies. Hydrangeas symbolize heartfelt emotions and gratitude, while Daisies represent purity and innocence. |
Unlucky Symbols for the Year of the Pig
| Unlucky Numbers | 1 and 3 |
| Unlucky Colors | Red and Blue |
| Unlucky Direction | Southeast |
Year of the Pig || Naming Year of the Pig Children
Babies born in the Year of the Pig hold the most extraordinary wishes! These characters reflect the positive qualities of the Pig Zodiac sign.
福 (fú) – Means “good fortune.” It embodies the Pig’s association with wealth and prosperity.
安 (ān) – Means “peace” or “tranquillity.” It reflects the Pig’s peaceful personality and holds a strong wish to be content with life.
诚 (chéng) – Means “sincerity.” It symbolizes the Pig being an honest and genuine person.
乐 (lè) – Means “joy” or “happiness.” It captures the Pig’s cheerful and optimistic outlook on life.
Do you have a Chinese name already? If not, we’ve got you covered. Fill in our Chinese Name Generator, and we’ll select one for you!
Year of the Pig || Pig in Chinese Language
猪狗不如zhū gǒu bù rú
Worse than pigs and dogs
It describes someone with no moral values. Since dogs and pigs already have degrading connotations, people who are worse than these two animals are considered the worst.
猪朋狗友zhū péng gǒu yǒu
Friends like pigs and dogs
The same as the above idiom, this one refers to unreliable friends who are worth nothing, often used in a derogatory sense.
猪八戒照镜子zhū bā jiè zhào jìng zi
Zhu Bajie looking in the mirror
This phrase comes from the pig character from the classic novel Journey To The West. Being a fat and lazy figure refers to someone who is not self-aware of their flaws and overconfident.
猪油蒙了心zhū yóu méng le xīn
Pig fat has covered the heart
Since pig fat is extremely fatty and heavy in taste, the phrase is used to describe someone whose heart is blinded by desires for money.
Chinese Zodiacs || Year of the Rabbit (The Ultimate Guide)
The Year of the Rabbit 🐰 Everything You Need to Know || Luck, Culture and Compatibility In this 12-part blog post series, we’re taking you on a tour of the different Chinese zodiac animals. From what they represent to how…
Year of the Pig || FAQs
Why was the Pig the last animal in the Great Zodiac Race?
The Pig overslept and started the race late, but it didn’t rush. Instead, it enjoyed the journey and crossed the finish line cheerfully.
What are the main personality traits of people born in the Year of the Pig?
People born in the Year of the Pig are known to be generous and compassionate. They are gentle, optimistic, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
What are some lucky symbols for people born in the Year of the Pig?
Lucky symbols for Pigs include the numbers 2 and 8, the colors of yellow, gray, and brown, and flowers like hydrangeas and daisies.
Are there any famous celebrities born in the Year of the Pig?
Yes, Elton John (1947), Hillary Clinton (1947), and Winona Ryder (1971) were born in the Year of the Pig.
What is the Pig’s role in Chinese culture?
In Chinese culture, the Golder Pig is a figure that represents wealth and promises a good harvest. It is also the most common food in China. Basically, every part of a pig can be turned into a dish or a delicious snack.
Want more from LTL?
If you wish to hear more from LTL Mandarin School why not join our mailing list.
We give plenty of handy information on learning Chinese, useful apps to learn the language and everything going on at our LTL schools!
Sign up below and become part of our ever-growing community!
BONUS | Want to study the local dialect known as Shanghainese? We provide Shanghainese Classes in person and online.
