Pigs loom large in Chinese culture so it is little wonder that the character for pig, an animal central to traditional village life, is written nestled inside the character for home
In China, pigs symbolise wealth. Their chubby little faces and big ears are associated with good fortune. According to Chinese astrology, they are realistic and pragmatic – where other zodiac signs may dither, pigs are decisive.
They are not spendthrifts but pigs do like to enjoy life. They love entertainment and are generous to their friends and take good care of them. Pigs are easy-going and popular, they take good care of their friends but their lack of suspicion and discrimination means they can be easily cheated.
With a tendency to be materialistic pigs use this trait to their advantage as motivation to work hard. They are enthusiastic, even for tasks others might consider dull. They hold power in high esteem so if an opportunity arises they will jump at the chance to seize a position of status, believing it entitles them to respect.
HOW WERE THE 12 ANIMALS IN THE CHINESE ZODIAC CHOSEN?
According to legend, the heavenly Jade Emperor wanted to segment time into cycles of 12 years with an earthly animal guarding each cycle. He sent word that the fastest animals to reach the Heavenly Gate would be chosen, ranked accordingly and have a year in the cycle named after them. Sensing an opportunity, the animals raced against each other to win the emperor’s favour.
The quick-witted rat set off first but had to wait for the other animals to catch up when it came to a fast-flowing river. He was able to cross the river by taking advantage of the tender-hearted ox who carried him over on his ear. Having crossed the river, the kind but dim ox charged off. As the ox approached the palace in first place the rat suddenly leapt from his ear and dashed to the Jade Emperor’s feet, securing victory and relegating the ox to second place. The tiger came next, followed by the agile rabbit who had jumped across the river from stone to stone.
In fifth place came the flying dragon. When the Jade Emperor asked why he hadn’t simply flown over the river to win the race, the dragon explained he had stopped at a village to help bring rain to some desperate farmers.
The horse galloped in, confident of securing sixth spot, when the snake slithered off his front hoof and beat him by a nose. The goat, monkey, and rooster arrived after crossing the river on a raft they had built together, taking eighth, ninth, and 10th places respectively.
The dog was a late 11th having stopped to enjoy a bath in the river, and the pig, who had stopped for a nap, sauntered in for the 12th, and final, place.
There are many versions of the legend but they all agree the rat made sure the cat did not finish the race by either tricking him into sleeping through the event or by pushing him into the river.
