by Dani Harper 

If Valentine’s Day isn’t your thing (or even if it is), the month of February has something else to celebrate – and you can do it for 15 days instead of just one! 

In 2019, the Chinese New Year begins February 5th and runs until February 19th. Also called the Spring Festival, it is the most important holiday in China and a time for family gatherings. According to the Chinese calendar, each year is influenced by an astrological animal, and 2019 is the Year of the Pig. Also known as the Boar, it will reign until January 24, 2020.

Western culture may not think much of the pig—except during BBQ season! But in China and much of Asia, the pig is a symbol of abundance, wealth, and good fortune. 2019 is predicted to be a very good year to add to one’s abundance in every area, to invest, and to make more money. Because the Pig symbolizes success in all avenues of life, a sense of renewed optimism usually accompanies him. 2019 may bring greater happiness, love, and friendship.

That is, unless you’re born in a Pig year… The irony of the Chinese Calendar is that everyone does well in a Pig year—except the Pig. (This is true of all the animal signs—you are considered to be less lucky in a year ruled by your zodiac sign, and more prone to trouble.)

At least if you’re a Pig person, you’ve got lots of good qualities:  the brave, responsible and independent Pig is also known for being loving, considerate, generous, and loyal. Hardworking and honest to a fault, the Pig can be too trusting of others and easily taken advantage of. But the Pig’s friends will always come running to help. Add that to the longevity and health attributed to the Pig, and it’s an all-round good sign to have!

The animals of the zodiac rotate in a 12-year cycle. Pig years are 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 and of course, 2019. The next one will be 2031. In addition to the animals taking turns, each year is also influenced by one of five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal or water. Earth is the element for 2019.

Color plays a role as well, and yellow is the auspicious color for 2019. That makes it not only an Earth Pig year, but a GOLDEN PIG year, which occurs only once every 60 years. No wonder so many anticipate that 2019 will bring abundance! Don’t forget, however, that abundance doesn’t always mean money. It can also be a very good time to simply enjoy life.

To invite the Pig’s good fortune, pictures or figurines of pigs may be displayed in the home or workplace. After all, it’s no accident that “piggy banks” are in the shape of pigs!

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NOTE – my “Year of the Pig” post also appears on the HERE BE MAGIC blog at https://herebemagic.blogspot.com/2019/02/happy-chinese-new-year-its-year-of-pig.html