The Year of the Tiger and its Significance

新年快乐！恭喜发财！Happy Lunar New Year! It’s that time of year again to set off fireworks, spread cheer with family, and look forward to a new, lucky beginning. Chinese New Year is a cheerful fifteen day holiday, mainly celebrated by reuniting and spending quality time with family. This year it’s especially special for those who were born in the year of the Tiger (2022, 2010, 1998, 1986…). There are twelve Chinese zodiac signs, including the Tiger (the year 2022’s zodiac), which repeat in a 12-year cycle. But what does it mean to be born in the year of the Tiger?

According to the legend known as the Heavenly Gate Race, which determined the order and the animals represented in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, the Tiger came in third place in the race. It was due to its confidence, resilience, and courage that it was able to achieve a rank so high. Thus, the Tiger is seen as a symbol of power. As a matter of fact, have you ever wondered why depictions of tigers during Chinese New Year typically include the character “王 (wáng)” on their foreheads? Well, the Chinese character “王” literally means “king” as a symbolization of the Tiger’s might and its title in China as the “king of the animals“ or “百兽之王 (bǎi shòu zhī wáng)” in Chinese. Those born in the year of the Tiger are said to be stubborn and bold, but confident and appreciated by their peers. They’re able to make hasty decisions in the spur of the moment. Their incredible abilities to adapt to new surroundings and situations along with their sheer bravery may deem them as great leaders.

Next time you greet someone who’s born in the year of the Tiger, tell them about their zodiac’s significance and cheer “虎年快乐，虎虎生威！(hǔ nián kuàilè, hǔ hǔshēng wēi)” which is the Chinese New Year greeting specific to the year of the Tiger.