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Chinese zodiac · Chinese zodiac 12

Pig

Pig · 豬 zhū

The Pig (豬 zhū), sign 12 of the Chinese zodiac: earthly branch Hai 亥, fixed element water, yin.

The Pig closes the cycle and is associated with generosity, sincerity and good fortune. In Japan the Wild Boar takes its place.

In Chinese astrology the year animal is only one part of a horoscope: the element of the year's heavenly stem, the month, day and hour of birth (the Four Pillars) and their interactions are read together. The traditional characterisations of each animal belong to folk belief and popular almanacs rather than to a single authoritative text.

Personality

generous · sincere · good-natured · tolerant · diligent · easy-going · trusting

In Chinese popular astrology the Pig is described as generous, sincere and good-natured, the last of the twelve animals and a symbol of abundance and good fortune. Linked with the earthly branch Hai, yin and the element water, it is associated with contentment, honesty and enjoyment of life; in Japan the Wild Boar takes its place.

Almanac portraits credit Pig-born people with kindness, tolerance, diligence and a warm hospitality; they are said to be trustworthy, to forgive easily and to work hard so that they and their families can enjoy the good things of life. The weaknesses traditionally named are naivety and over-trust, indulgence, a reluctance to face conflict and a tendency to be taken advantage of by more calculating people.

In love the Pig is portrayed as affectionate, devoted and romantic, generous to its partner and happiest in a comfortable, harmonious home; the traditional triad places it in harmony with the Rabbit and the Goat. At work it is linked with hospitality, food, the arts, healing, charity work and any field where honesty and care are valued. Chinese astrologers note that the year's element and the full Four Pillars modify this portrait, as with every animal of the cycle.

Sources and further reading