Everything You Need to Know About the Year of the Pig

According to Chinese legend, the Jade Emperor decided to have a race on his birthday. The 12 winners would be selected as the signs of the zodiac. The race involved crossing a river and reaching the finish line on the shore.

The pig, who was heavy and slow, struggled during the race. It’s even said that the pig was “lazy” and stopped to eat during the race before falling asleep. The pig came close to losing, but just before the emperor left for the day, its oink was heard and it earned the last spot in the zodiac.

It’s also said that the competition was actually over, but the pig begged, along with other domestic animals, to be included.

Those born in the Year of the Pig are described as diligent, warmhearted, compassionate and tolerant. They are also optimistic, honest and frank, but not until they become your friend can their true attributes be appreciated.

However, they tend to be materialistic and hesitate to share what they have with others. Calm when facing problems, they are not afraid of difficulties and try to work them out gradually — always determined to finish what they start.

Their weaknesses include naivety, as they are easily fooled, stubbornness and self-indulgence, and they are sometimes perceived as lazy. While they are loyal, they may not have many friends.

Not only does each birth year correspond to an animal sign in the Chinese zodiac, but according to Chinese element theory, each zodiac sign is also associated with one of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. It is theorized that a person’s characteristics and destiny are further decided by this combination.

Each element and Chinese zodiac animal combination appear every 60 years, with 2019 as an Earth Pig year. The Earth Pig, which also has a birth year of 1959, is theorized to be communicative, popular among friends and punctual. The Fire Pig (1947, 2007) is ambitious and persevering; the Wood Pig (1935, 1995) is good-natured, easy going, generous and brave; the Water Pig (1923, 1983) is gentle, modest, earnest and responsible; and the Gold Pig (1971, 2031) is open-minded, amicable and willing to help others.

Lucky Numbers: 2, 5, 8 and any numbers containing these digits (like 25 and 58)

Lucky Colors: Brown, gold, gray, yellow

Lucky Flowers: Hydrangea, marguerite, pitcher plant

Lucky Gemstone: Ruby

Lucky Directions: Southeast, northeast

Unlucky Numbers: 1, 3, 9 and numbers containing these digits (like 13 and 39)

Unlucky Colors: Blue, green, red

Unlucky Direction: Southeast

Though it may sound exciting when it’s the year for your zodiac animal, according to Chinese astrology, this year can actually bring you bad luck. People who are in their current zodiac year are said to offend the “God of Age,” known as Tai Sui.

A way Pigs can bring good fortune in 2019 is to wear red, one of the luckiest colors in Chinese culture — representing prosperity, loyalty, success, and happiness. Wearing jade accessories is also considered good luck.

People born in the Year of the Pig are known as diligent workers who always make an effort to finish the job. However, they can get frustrated easily and lose confidence, especially when it comes to caring what others think. For this reason, clear communication with colleagues is key.

Pigs are also are not good at planning or making concrete goals, which can get in the way of efficiency. It’s best for them to make a schedule. Their patience and tolerance makes them great teachers.

Their integrity, talents in the arts, warmheartedness and thirst for knowledge also make them suitable for jobs in science, creative fields, charity work or as healthcare providers. For entrepreneurial Pigs, 2019 is a good year to develop a business.

Like their namesake animal, people born in the Year of the Pig are sometimes viewed as lazy and overindulgent. They are said to be less concerned with an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits. As they reach middle age and beyond, high blood pressure and cholesterol can become a concern.

In 2019, Pigs are encouraged to find a better work-life balance. They are discouraged from going to crowded places like bars because they are likely to get drunk and become confrontational.

Described as compassionate, Pig Year people make ideal partners, but not for every sign in the Chinese zodiac. They are best matched with Tigers, Rabbits and Goats, but should stay away from Snakes and Monkeys. Those that do end up with Pigs will be showered with surprises and gifts by this enthusiastic lover.

In 2019, male Pigs will easily find an attractive partner, while women will need to look harder and face an uphill battle.

For those born in the Year of the Pig, there is both good and bad news when it comes to money. Though it’s predicted that they’ll earn plenty of money into middle age, Pigs are not good at managing finances. This zodiac sign tends to not know how to save money, budget, or invest.

So it’s wise to be aware of these issues and manage money accordingly. In the near term, pigs can expect a good return on investments and a salary increase in 2019, but this could be offset by unexpected expenditure.

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