Pig (zodiac)

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The twelve animals of Chinese astrology:
Rat	Ox
Tiger	Rabbit
Dragon	Snake
Horse	Sheep
Monkey	Rooster
Dog	Pig

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

1 Nomenclature
2 Years and the Five Elements
3 Attributes
4 Traditional Pig Attributes/Associations
5 References

[edit] Nomenclature

In the continuous sexagenary cycle, every twelfth year corresponds to Hai, and is commonly called "the Year of the Pig" (豬年).There are five types of pig, 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".

[edit] Years and the Five Elements

Persons 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:

30 January 1911 - 17 February 1912: Metal Pig
16 February 1923 - 4 February 1924: Water Pig
4 February 1935 - 23 January 1936: Wood Pig
22 January 1947 - 9 February 1948: Fire Pig
8 February 1959 - 27 January 1960: Earth Pig
27 January 1971 - 14 February 1972: Metal Pig
13 February 1983 - 1 February 1984: Water Pig
31 January 1995 - 18 February 1996: Wood Pig
18 February 2007 - 6 February 2008: Fire Pig
5 February 2019 - 24 January 2020: Earth Pig
2031 - 2032: Metal Pig
2043 - 2044: Water Pig

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

The Pig type 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 pig 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 pig type; 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. If someone tries to take advantage of them, the pig type tend to withdraw to reflect on the problem and protect themselves. All they need in such situations is a little time to find a constructive way to respond. The people of the pig type are conservative creatures of habit. They dislike being made to travel too far from familiar surroundings, unless it is a trip to the countryside. They love nature and are never happier than when they are out somewhere, far from the city.^[10]

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.^[11]

[edit] Traditional Pig Attributes/Associations

Zodiac Location	12th
Ruling hours	9pm-11pm
Direction	North-northwest
Season and month	Autumn, October
Gemstone	Topaz
Color	light blue
Roughly equivalent western sign	Scorpio
Polarity	Yin
Positive Traits	Noble, dignified, honest, charismatic, vibrant, magnanimous, expansive, powerful.
Negative Traits	Ruthless, imperious, arrogant, dogmatic, pompous, despotic, intolerant, demanding.
Countries	Jordan, Nepal, Armenia, Philippines, Angola, Lebanon