The pig is one of the animals of the Chinese Zodiac, in fact the Pig is the twelfth of all zodiac animals.
According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. Pig was late because he overslept. Another story says that a wolf destroyed his house. He had to rebuild his home before he could set off. When he arrived, he was the last one and could only take twelfth place. Occupying the last position in the Chinese Zodiac, the 12th, the Pig symbolizes character traits as diligence, compassion, and generosity. Pigs enjoy life and because they are entertaining and others enjoy their company.
The Year of the Pig – what does the Pig symbolise in Chinese Culture?
In Chinese culture, pigs are the symbol of wealth. Pigs have a beautiful personality and are blessed with good fortune (just like ‘Fortunate Son’) and their chubby faces and big ears are signs of their fortune.
The Parnell Business Association have celebrated the Chinese New Year animals with an Exhibition and Auction every year, with the last Chinese New Year 2018 animal being the Year of the Dog. This Year of the Pig, we have 21 individual artpieces up for Auction in aid of Starship, all of them reflecting the Chinese symbols or personality attributes of the Year of the Pig in one way or another.
2019, is the year of the Earth Pig
These Pigs are social butterflies (just like our ‘Flora’), with friends from all walks of life, They have a lot of support in both work and life. They have fortunate lives and can find happiness and are said to be successful later in life.
The Mineral for the Earth Pig is Agate – just like ‘Miss Agate’!
The Earth Pig has an extremely kind and thoughtful nature and is sensible and realistic.
The Earth Pig is great at organizing events and gatherings and will be able to pull out all the stops on the tightest schedule. They have a large circle of friends due to their great sense of humor (check out ‘A Casual Day in the Park’).
Personality and characteristics for Year of the Pig
Men born in the Pig year are said to be optimistic and gentle and once decided on a goal, they’ll put everything into it. If given the opportunity, they will take positions of power and status, just like our elegant ‘Van der Pig’ and ‘A Pig’s True Colours’ with his amethyst mohawk.
Women born in the Pig year are full of excitement. They love to attend parties and social gatherings and show off a little (as would ‘Princess Returning Pearl’ with her gold crown, ‘Poppy the Pig’ with her red floral coat, ‘Hoka Punua Poaka’ with her flying feathers and ‘Madame Babette’ with her abundant decoration). Combined with their easy going personality, they gain everyone’s trust.
These women love children too, especially those at Starship, (as do ‘Peony Pig’ and ‘Little Piggy, Big City’). Playing with children is one of the things that bring them the greatest joy.
Careers fit for Pigs
The Earth Pig will go to great lengths to please their employers and co-workers however they can. The Pig is a hard worker and is respected for their reliability and integrity. In their early years, they will try their hand at several different jobs but will usually be happiest where they feel that they are being of service to others. They will give up their time for the common good and are highly valued by their colleagues and employers.
Pigs enjoy helping at work and can always be counted on. They enjoy opportunities that allow them to express their creativity (check out our ‘Klimt Pig’, ‘Pangolin Pig’ and the beautiful painting on ‘Wild’ and Pakiri Kunekune). Pigs are detail-oriented, a trait admired by management (have you seen the detail on the feather cloak of ‘Poaka’) . Pigs aren’t afraid to take on responsibility. Some good career choices for Pigs include: entertainer, caterer, doctor, veterinarian, or interior decorator.
The Pig is kind and understanding and known for their peacekeeping abilities – (see ‘Earth and Water’ and ‘Tierra’). They hate any unpleasantness and will do anything in their power to resolve the problem. Pigs are gentle and rarely lose their temper. They’ll always try to compromise and settle things quickly. Because their goal in life is for everyone to live in harmony, even if from diverse cultures, (like ‘One Red Pig’). Apparently they are suitable for careers related to charity and fundraisers – imagine how important that is for Starship.
Pigs in Relationships
Supportive and giving, Pigs make great partners. They’re affectionate and sexual and prefer staying home to going out. They enjoy what they have, especially their home and family. The Pig may have many relationships before settling down with their chosen partner, but once they find the right partner, they’re typically committed for the long-term (read about ‘Emerald Pig’ who travelled to and back from China and the result of a collaboration between husband and wife).
