Chinese New Year on the Net - Chinese Zodiac: Year of the Tiger

Chinese Zodiac:
Sign of the Tiger

The Chinese calendar is divided not by numerical years, as is in the Western concept of time, but in a 12-year cycle of animal signs, which continually repeat themselves. According to Chinese legend, these twelve signs are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram (Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar (Pig).

In Chinese folklore, traits and characteristics similar to the Zodiac horoscope have developed around each of these annual animal signs -- some of which are more desirable than others. Here is a look at the qualities of each of them.

Year of the Tiger: Feb. 01, 2022

Sign of the Tiger

2010 is the year of the lucky Tiger, a sign with many admirable qualities, but a number of equally negative ones as well. Known for being sensitive, sympathetic and deep-thinking, the Tiger can also be short-tempered and even ill-natured. Tigers often come into conflict with those in authority, including the elderly -- a major behavioral taboo in traditional Chinese culture. Like the animal itself, Tigers are courageous, powerful and competitive, although all this competition leads them to be suspicious of others. Known as deep, even philosophical, thinkers, Tigers can also become overly mired in their thought processes, impairing their ability to make quick, sound decisions.