5th February 2019 marks the beginning of the Chinese new year! Kicking off the annual spring festival, in line with the lunar calendar.
The pig is the 12th and final animal of the Chinese Zodiac. Legend has it that the order of the zodiac is according to the sequence of each animals arrival at the Jade Emperor's party. The pig was late because he overslept, therefore earning him the 12th positioning.
Pigs are seen within Chinese culture as a symbol of wealth. Their chubby faces and big ears denoting fortune and good luck. For all signs of the zodiac, the coming year marks a good one for investment and financial success as well as a prosperous year for friendship and camaraderie.
CHINESE ZODIAC - Pig
It is a sign that you will be blessed with good fortune in life if you are born in the Year of the Pig. Though sometimes on the lazy side (they were last to the party after all), they are loyal friends with beautiful personalities. Often energetic and enthusiastic in nature, they tend to be down to earth and realistic. Know to be sensible spenders, though are lovers of entertainment, they do tend to occasionally splash out and treat themselves.
You are a pig if you are born in: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Lucky colours: yellow, grey, brown
Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 8
Chinese new year dos and don'ts
There are certain customs locals follow during Spring Festival. These customs are to maximise good luck and reduce misfortune for the year ahead.
Do
- Eat fish for wisdom, peaches for longevity, plums for a focussed mind, lettuce for good health and spring onions to bring clarity for the year ahead
- Give red boxes full of red candy or fruit to ensure the receiver has a 'sweet year'
- Red envelopes, filled with either a gold coin or money, are exchanged between close friends and family. Red is also the colour of good luck
- Clean the house and purchase new clothes to avoid bad spirits hanging around
- Wear red coloured clothing or underwear to maximise your good fortune and luck
- Decorate your house with red paper or red ornaments to drive away evil spirits
Don't
- Sleep during the day
- Avoid engaging in or starting any arguments as the New Year is a time to foster positivity not encourage negativity
- Wear black and white clothing. Traditionally worn for times of mourning, it's bad luck during the New Year festivities
- Wash your hair within the first 5 days of the New Year. You'll be washing away any good luck received
- Cut your hair in the first month following the New Year, it's extremely bad luck
- Avoid talking about death in the first few days of the Lunar New Year
