Unlike the Gregorian New Year many of us celebrate on the 1 January, Chinese New Year is celebrated on a different day each year because it’s based on phases of the moon. In 2022, Chinese New Year falls on 1 February.
And it’s not just a single day or evening that’s celebrated to mark new beginnings, either. In China, New Year festivities can last for 16 days, starting on the New Year’s Eve and finishing with the Yuan Xiao Festival, which many people celebrate by releasing paper lanterns into the sky.
As you may know, each year is ascribed an animal in the Chinese zodiac calendar – this year being the Year of the Tiger. But what exactly does that mean for you? People born in the Year of the Tiger are thought to be brave, kind, competitive and confident, however they are also said to be selfish and short-tempered sometimes. If you were born in 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986 or 1998, then you were born in the Year of the Tiger.
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Even though each year has a different animal (every 12 years), the Chinese zodiac calendar is also based on a Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches system featuring one of five elements: Water, Wood, Fire, Metal and Earth. So this year, it’s not just Year of the Tiger, but a Water Tiger. So any babies arriving in 2022 – or those born in 1962 when the last Water Tiger year occurred – are expected to be family-orientated and have strong relationships.
Xiaohua Yang, professor and director of the China Business Studies Initiative at the University of San Francisco, told USA Today that a tiger year is about new beginnings. So what can you expect from the year ahead, according to your Chinese New Year zodiac?…
Which Chinese zodiac animal am I and what does Year of the Tiger mean for me?
Tiger
Born in 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2022
Characteristics: Courageous, energetic, brave, rebellious, short-tempered.
This is the year for you to grab opportunities as they come to you – there’s no time for procrastination, according to Kay Tom, master in feng shui and horoscopes.
Rat
Born in 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Characteristics: Intelligent, crafty and optimistic, ruthless, nervous.
Your focus is on health and fitness this year – it’s okay to put yourself first. It’s advised that major decisions and purchases should be put on hold.
Ox
Born in 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Characteristics: Honest, loyal, hard-working, stubborn, judgemental.
2022 will see you careful with planning and finances that will bring more stability and order to your life.
Rabbit
Born in 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Characteristics: Clever, compassionate, generous, over-cautious, vain.
You can expect to have lots of new ideas this year, but you’ll need to be patient to see them come to fruition.
Dragon
Born in 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Characteristics: Brave, charismatic, natural leaders, lack of willpower, stubborn.
2022 will be a responsible year for you. You’ll be able to turn around difficult situations and embrace challenges.
Snake
Born in 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Characteristics: Wise, sympathetic, intuitive, jealous, materialistic.
There’s a focus on your career and new opportunities in 2022, although take caution with your finances.
Horse
Born in 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Characteristics: Honest, talented, overconfident, impatient.
You will rise to the challenge this year, but make sure you find a balance between work and play to protect your health.
Goat
Born in 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Characteristics: Resilient, strong, compassionate, indecisive, disorganised.
This year, you’ll be concerned by the wellbeing of others, which includes keeping an eye on family finances.
Monkey
Born in 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Characteristics: Charming, intelligent, confident, arrogant, self-centred.
You can expect to be busier than ever in 2022, including lots of travel and prioritising health.
Rooster
Birth years 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Characteristics: Capable, honest, controlling, critical.
2022 is a year for you to take on leading roles and share your wisdom and experience to help others.
Dog
Born in 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Characteristics: Loyal, brave, responsible, sensitive, cynical.
You may be full of bright ideas this year, which require time and commitment that could make you less social.
Pig
Born in 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Characteristics: Intelligent, creative, compassionate, insecure, emotional.
Love is in the air for pigs this year! You’ll also feel more ambitious and confident in 2022.
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