The Chinese Year of the Tiger, which occurs in 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, and 2022, is the third year in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac animals. According to the ancient Chinese story, the Jade Emperor organized a race to select the 12 animals that would become his personal guards, and the animals arrived in the order of the cycle.
If you were born in any of these years, you belong to the powerful and passionate Tiger personality. Tigers are known for their authority, bravery, and strong moral compass. They thrive on competition and fighting for causes they believe in. However, their emotional and sensitive natures can sometimes make them moody or intense. The combination of sensitivity and authority can be a terrifying force when crossed.
Tigers are most compatible with the Rooster or Dog, but the best matches come from the Dragon, Horse, or Pig. They should be cautious around the Snake and Monkey.
In the Year of the Water Tiger, which is 2022, each Chinese zodiac sign and people of different elements can expect different experiences. However, one thing is certain: it won't be a dull year. With the Tiger's "go big or go home" mentality, there will be ups and downs and plenty of drama. Overall, it will be a year of gaining back strength and vitality after the challenges of 2021.
Chinese astrology assigns each year with one of the five elements: Metal, Water, Wood, Earth, and Fire. These elements combine with the 12-year cycle of animal signs to create a 60-year cycle. Each element carries its own meaning:
- Wood: creativity, imagination
- Fire: passion, adventure
- Metal: persistence, ambition
- Water: agility, eloquence
- Earth: patience, stability
To find your Chinese element, simply look at the last number of your birth year. For example, if your birth year ends in 0 or 1, your element is metal. If it ends in 2 or 3, it's water, 4 or 5 is wood, 6 or 7 is fire, and 8 or 9 is earth. However, keep in mind that the Chinese calendar and the Gregorian calendar do not align perfectly, so if you were born in January or February, you may need to check which Chinese year you were actually born in.
Here is the full spectrum of Chinese zodiac animals:
- Rat
- Ox
- Tiger
- Rabbit
- Dragon
- Snake
- Horse
- Goat
- Monkey
- Rooster
- Dog
- Pig
If you want to explore your own sign by birth year and discover more about the Chinese Zodiac, click on the image above. You'll also find the story of how Judy, Sarah, and Kaitlin rediscovered their Chinese Zodiac signs in Hong Kong.
As we celebrate the Chinese New Year, it's always great to learn the most common Chinese New Year greetings in Mandarin and Cantonese. And don't forget to plan your own celebration meal with our Chinese New Year recipe planning guide.
Embrace the power and passion of the Year of the Tiger and make it a year to remember!
Image Source: 12 Chinese zodiac signs (https://saigonintela.vn/uploads/images/blog/admin/2024/01/13/chinese-year-of-the-tiger-1705078922.webp)