Lunar New Year: Year of the Tiger

Ever since I spent 1 year working in Shanghai, China in 2010, I observe and respect some of the Chinese and Asian traditions.

This year the Lunar New Year kicks off on Feb.1, ushering in the Year of the Tiger and marks a very important date on the Chinese and south-east Asian calendar.

Families and friends come together (COVID-pending once again) to celebrate Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, and say goodbye to the Year of the Ox. And this week, Year of the Tiger begins!

According to the Chinese Zodiac, each year corresponds with an animal: either a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. There are 12 animals for a 12-year cycle. Just like your astrological sign, each zodiac animal also symbolises specific traits, skills, your 'luckiness' and your various compatibility to the other animals.

The Year of the Tiger follows the Year of the Ox. The lunar-based celebration is connected to the second new moon of the year, which typically lands sometime between the end of January and mid-February. Records show that the half-month event dates back to the oracle bone readings from the 14th century B.C. when the Shang Dynasty was in power.

What the Year of the Tiger means

People who are born during the year of the Yang Water Tiger between Feb. 1, 2022 and Jan. 21, 2023, are prophesized to have agility and eloquence, according to the Chinese zodiac. The sign is also characterized as being brave, self-assured and competitive like the Tiger.

Whether one believes in Astrological or Chinese Zodiac signs or not, let 2022 be Your year...