Happy Chinese New Year! Here’s what the Year of the Tiger means for you
According to Chinese astrology, this year is all about change. Expect sudden disruptions in careers, romance and home life – and while this may mean some of us thrive, others may be at risk of crashing and burning…
WHAT IS CHINESE NEW YEAR?
Chinese New Year – also called Lunar New Year – is an annual festival celebrated in China and Chinese communities around the world. As a lunar festival, it begins with the new moon that occurs sometime between 21st January and 20th February and lasts until the following full moon, so the exact dates change every year. For 2022, most countries will celebrate the beginning of Chinese New Year on 1st February.
WHICH ANIMAL OF THE CHINESE ZODIAC ARE YOU?
The Chinese Zodiac is made up of 12 different animals and each year is associated with one of them, rotating through the 12 on a continuing cycle. According to Asian astrology, the year of your birth – and the animal that year represents – says a lot about your personality traits and what kind of life you will lead.
Remember though, all you January birthdays – a ‘year’ is defined by the Chinese astrological chart, not a Gregorian calendar, so you’ll have to check the exact dates of your specific birth ‘year’. For example, 2022’s Chinese New Year will last from 1st February through to 23rd January 2023.
The animals of the Chinese Zodiac are significant in that they represent six of the main domestic animals raised by Chinese people – ox, horse, goat, rooster, pig and dog – alongside six animals much loved in Chinese culture: rat, tiger, rabbit, snake, monkey and dragon. These animals were separated into two categories – yin (feminine) and yang (masculine) – depending on whether they have an odd or even number of claws, toes or hooves. They were then arranged into an alternating yin and yang sequence to mark each of the passing years.
SO, WHICH ARE YOU?
2022 – THE YEAR OF THE TIGER
How does all this link with Chinese New Year, we hear you ask? Well, with every new year comes a renewed celebration of one specific zodiac sign – and 2022 is the Year of the Tiger.
The Water Tiger, to be exact. As well as the circle of 12 zodiac animals, there is also a cycle of five elements within Chinese astrology: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Combined, the animals and elements rotate on a 60-year cycle. So, the last time it was the Year of the Tiger – and the element was water – was back in 1962.
What does this all mean? Well, according to Chinese astrologers, while the Year of the Rat (2020) was all about survival, and the Year of the Ox (2021) was about anchoring ourselves in a new reality (relatable, right?!), the Year of the Tiger will be about making big changes. This will be a year of risk-taking and adventure; of finding a renewed sense of enthusiasm; when social progress feels possible again and generosity is at an all-time high.
While this may all sound a little too convenient given the world’s current climate, these predictions are rooted in tradition. The Tiger has always been associated with active, masculine energy. They hate being told what to do and are always marching to the beat of their own drum. Sudden disruptions in career, romance and home life should be expected then, we’re told, and while this may mean some of us thrive, others may be at risk of crashing and burning, so best to keep our egos in check.
Because it’s the Year of the Water Tiger in particular, it could also be set to hit us all right in the feels, as water years are said to bring out our emotions more than any other element.
WHAT DOES THE YEAR OF THE WATER TIGER MEAN FOR ME?
In a nutshell? While 2022 is the Year of the Tiger, don’t think it’s the year for the Tiger. It’s actually those who fall under the signs of either Ox or Goat who look to benefit most in the next 12 months.
For those born in the years of the Rat, Snake, Monkey, Pig or Dog, you’ll need to try a lot harder to achieve – although that’s not to say achievements are impossible. Rabbits, Dragons, Horses and Roosters: sit back and enjoy the ride. 2022 looks set to be smooth sailing for you guys, with plenty of good luck in your financial charts.
Want something more specific? We’ve scoured our sources to break down what the next 12 months could mean for you:
If you’re a… Rat
Character – People born in the Year of the Rat are thought to be intelligent, crafty and optimistic. They may also be rude, ruthless or nervous.
Love – Sorry guys, rats have little luck in love in 2022. Single rats will probably remain single. Married rats will encounter difficulties. So, make time for loved ones.
Career – You’re going to be busy. Good luck in your professional lives is waiting, which will help progression. However, you’re advised against switching jobs.
Wealth – Rats have little chance to receive financial help, so you’ll need to rely on yourselves. You could consider investing in fixed assets like real estate.
Lucky colours – Red and blue (both for good luck).
If you’re an… Ox
Character – Those born in the Year of the Ox are said to be honest, loyal and hard-working. But they can also be righteous, stubborn and judgemental.
Love – 2022 is looking good for you, Oxen! Those who are single have a big chance of finding a partner and a lot of those in relationships look set to tie the knot.
Career – Showing you’re not afraid of hard work will help any Ox get appreciation from managers and colleagues this year. 2022 is not the time to switch jobs for you.
Wealth – Oxen can expect good help from others this year. Your wealth is expected to increase as a result of the good relationships you’ve made.
Lucky colours – Red (for career) and yellow (for love).
If you’re a… Tiger
Character – This is your year! The king of all beasts in Chinese culture, those born in the Year of the Tiger are meant to be brave, competitive, enthusiastic and unpredictable. They may also be aggressive, short-tempered and anxious.
Birth sign year – Tigers are expected to face many challenges when their birth year recurs, so brace yourselves. Wearing red may help bring some good luck this year.
Love – 2022 is a good year for Tigers to get married. Single Tigers also have a good chance of finding a partner. We’ve heard Tigers at the ages of either 24 or 36 will have fluctuating luck in love.
Career – There are good opportunities for Tigers to get promoted this year. Just don’t be too loud with your success – you could incur jealousy from colleagues.
Wealth – Be careful of entering into financial relationships. You’re not advised to invest too much in stocks or funds. Spend money wisely and you should be ok.
Lucky colours – Orange (for wealth), black (for career development) and blue (for love). Try to avoid brown, gold and silver this year.
If you’re a… Rabbit
Character – Those born in the Year of the Rabbit are believed to be clever, compassionate and generous. However, their kindness can be seen as weakness by some, and they’re also thought to be vain and over-cautious.
Love – Things are looking pretty stable. Single female Rabbits may find their next long-term partner. Male Rabbits will probably meet a short-term relationship.
Career – Though there will be some troubles in your career this year, they can be resolved quickly. Being open to support from others will help progression.
Wealth – Businesses traditionally targeting male consumers – aftershaves, clothing, cars – will bring Rabbits good financial luck.
Lucky colours – Green (for wealth), purple (for love) and orange (for your career development).
If you’re a… Dragon
Character – Those born in the Year of the Dragon are thought to be brave, charismatic and natural leaders. However, they’re also said to be inflexible, stubborn and can lack willpower.
Love – The love lives of Dragons are unstable in 2022. Good communication is essential in solving relationship problems. Single Dragons, express your love bravely this year. Otherwise, you might miss your soulmate.
Career – Good luck in careers is waiting for Dragons this year. Promotion looks likely. You’ll start to feel appreciated by leaders, so be sure to accept it graciously.
Wealth – Dragons can expect a good harvest from their hard work this year, especially if they’re employed by a company.
Lucky colours – Yellow (for job opportunities and wealth) and white (for love).
If you’re a… Snake
Character – People born in the Year of the Snake are thought to be wise, sympathetic and intuitive. But they’re also associated with jealousy, vanity and materialism.
Love – Male Snakes can say goodbye to single life. Ladies, we’re afraid you’re likely to become very sensitive emotionally, which may cause problems in relationships.
Career – Treat colleagues politely and sincerely and don’t gossip, Snakes. You’re likely to receive support from others, which will help you get promoted this year.
Wealth – Snakes look set to receive financial support from others this year. Just don’t expect to get rich overnight – take time to consider your options before making any big decisions.
Lucky colours – Orange (for love), cyan (for success) and silver (for wealth).
If you’re a… Horse
Character – Those born in the Year of the Horse are thought to have honesty, talent, and a desire to chase their dreams. However, they’re also said to be overconfident, impatient and short-tempered.
Love – There’s not a lot of change here. Unmarried Horses are likely to remain single. Married Horses will probably spend more time at work than with family.
Career – Horses can expect better luck at work than in love. Projects will progress smoothly with big financial benefits. Horses should consider changing jobs this year.
Wealth – Promotion looks likely for Horses this year, resulting in better income. Any Horses who are business owners should also consider expanding.
Lucky colours – Green (for career progression), blue (for health) and red (to dispel bad luck).
If you’re a… Goat
Character – Goats are considered resilient, strong and compassionate. But they can also be indecisive, anxious and disorganised.
Love – Goats who got married last year, you’ve got a high chance of falling pregnant. Single Goats, it’s likely you’ll find a partner in 2022.
Career – The future looks bright, Goats. It sounds like you’ll lead a group to achieve great results this year and receive plaudits from your leaders and colleagues.
Wealth – If you’re a salesperson, you’re likely to make outstanding achievements in in 2022. Avoid investing blindly and all Goats will enjoy good wealth.
Lucky colours – Bright yellow (for love).
If you’re a… Monkey
Character – Those born in the Year of the Monkey are believed to be charming, intelligent and confident.However, they can also be thought impatient, arrogant and self-centred.
Love – Sorry Monkeys, your love lives aren’t the most stable this year. It’s easy for you to get disturbed by unnecessary quarrels, so try and communicate peacefully when opinions differ.
Career – It looks like 2022 will bring good luck for Monkeys in their careers. There’s also a possibility of a near miss, however, so pay particular attention to details.
Wealth – It’s a good time to start a business if you’re a Monkey. Invest in fixed assets like real estate to have the best chance of earning more money.
Lucky colours – White (for career progression) and baby blue (for love).
If you’re a… Rooster
Character – People born in the Year of the Rooster are thought to be decisive, capable and honest. But this also means they can be seen to be insensitive, controlling and critical of others.
Love – No big changes look likely. Most of you will be too busy with work for relationships, and single Roosters don’t have much desire to find a partner.
Career – At work, things will go smoothly for Roosters in 2022. They will receive help when needed, but should embrace an opportunity for promotion.
Wealth – Reputable friends will help Roosters have more clients this year. For those who have their own businesses, fortunes will fluctuate, so it’s best to squirrel some funds away, just in case.
Lucky colours – Yellow (for wealth).
If you’re a… Dog
Character – Qualities associated with those born in the Year of the Dog include loyalty, bravery and responsibility, as well as being too sensitive, stubborn and cynical.
Love – Making time for loved ones is key to happy families. Single Dogs will probably still be single, or meet bad-tempered partners, by the end of the year.
Career – For Dogs in business, there will be a high possibility of losing clients or partners. More creative Dogs will receive approval from leaders, enabling them to earn more money. Starting a new business with others is not advised.
Wealth – Income looks promising for Dogs in creative industries. However, Dogs in business should be careful of investing in stocks or funds.
Lucky colours – Yellow (for wealth), black (for personal gain) and grey (for love).
If you’re a… Pig
Character – The strengths of those born in the Year of the Pig include intelligence, creativity and compassion. Their weaknesses are linked with being gullible, insecure and overly emotional.
Love – Sorry married Pigs, you’re set to quarrel often with your spouses in 2022. There’s also a high chance of a love triangle forming. For Pigs in love, 2022 is a good year to get married and single Pigs have a good chance of finding a partner.
Career – 2022 sounds as though it’ll be a good year to improve yourselves, Pigs – be that passing exams, earning certification or getting promoted.
Wealth – Pigs, you’ll have a chance to increase your income but you’re unlikely to make big money. If you want to invest, it’s better to start small and increase it gradually.
Lucky colours – Yellow (for love), green (for career progression) and black (for wealth).
To find out more about the history, tradition and predications surrounding Chinese New Year, we’d recommend visiting the China Highlights website.
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