Tiger (zodiac)
The Tiger ( 虎 ), is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Tiger is associated with the earthly branch symbol 寅.
The Chinese Zodiac is made up of a cycle of twelve animals: the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. They cycle over a twelve year period, each representing a different personality trait. The Tiger is the third animal in this cycle, belonging in the Third Trine (along with the Horse and Dog). There are many personality traits of each, many stories of how the zodiacs got their order, as well as lucky signs.[1]
The Tiger is a very powerful zodiac symbol, with personality traits ranging from being unpredictable, daring, and vigorous to passionate, affectionate, and generous. People of the Tiger sign are said to never back down from a challenge when it comes to protecting family or loved ones. Appearing calm, like real tigers, they can pounce at a moment’s notice, leaving little room for underestimation. As the “Years of the Tiger” vary, however, so do the personality traits. With each year, the Tiger’s element changes between Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal.[2]
There are many folk tales for how the Tiger became the third animal in the Chinese Zodiac cycle. The story know by more people involves Buddha celebrating the Chinese New Year. All the animals were invited, but only twelve came. It is said that Buddha named the years after the animals in the order by which they arrived, the Tiger being the third, behind the Ox but before the Rabbit. With each year, personality traits were determined by the personality of the animal of that particular year.[3]
Although personality traits can vary with “Years of the Tiger”, some of the 'lucky signs' stay the same. It is said that some of the Tiger’s lucky gemstones include the Ruby, Diamond, and, of course, the Cat’s Eye. The Tiger’s solar month is February with its constellation counterpart being Aquarius. Although the Tiger’s element varies with the year, it maintains a fixed element: wood. The Tiger could be the best of friends with the Horse and the Dog, but never the Monkey.[1]
Along with personality traits, stories, and lucky signs, there are legends associated with the Tiger zodiac sign. It has been said that a Tiger born at night will have a less hectic life than a Tiger born after dawn or around midday. Even so, Tigers, whether born at night or during the day, will never have an easy life and will never be bored. Some believe that having a ‘Tiger’ in their house is lucky, warding off theft, fire and evil spirits. However, having two or more ‘Tigers’ may cause problems. Some famous Tigers include Queen Elizabeth II, Marilyn Monroe, and Beethoven.[4] ‘Tigers’ are a force to be reckoned with, showing many of the same personality traits as the very animal they symbolize.
Years and the Five Elements
People born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "Year of the Tiger," while also bearing the following elemental sign:[5]
- 8 February 1902 – 28 January 1903: Water Tiger
- 26 January 1914 – 13 February 1915: Wood Tiger
- 13 February 1926 – 1 February 1927: Fire Tiger
- 31 January 1938 – 18 February 1939: Earth Tiger
- 17 February 1950 – 5 February 1951: Metal Tiger
- 5 February 1962 – 24 January 1963: Water Tiger
- 23 January 1974 – 10 February 1975: Wood Tiger
- 9 February 1986 – 28 January 1987: Fire Tiger
- 28 January 1998 – 15 February 1999: Earth Tiger
- 15 February 2010 – 2 February 2011: Metal Tiger
Traditional Tiger attributes and associations
Chinese astrologers consider the Tigers as kings of all animals. Tiger people are usually very attractive and persuasive. People cannot resist them easily and at the same time, they cannot attract their interest unless they try hard and be sincere. Tiger people like mystery, fairy tales, and stories about courage and love. They will likely spend an adventurous life triggered by their instincts and strong emotions and enjoy a good time. Another important attribute of people under the Chinese Horoscope sign of Tiger, is the fact that they like surprises and out of the ordinary situations. If a person wants to have a Tiger as a friend then it's up to the person to make sure their friendship will last since some tiger people will generally find it hard to maintain any relationship, but they are very loyal and will always defend friends in need and family. Most tiger people can become great actors, critics, skeptics, comedians, chaffeurs, musicians, athletes, artists travel agents, politicians, and administrators.[6]
| Attribute | |
|---|---|
| Zodiac Location | 3rd |
| Ruling hours | 3am-5am |
| Direction | East-Northeast |
| Motto | "I Win"[7] |
| Season and month | Winter, February |
| Fixed element | wood |
| Stem | Positive |
| Solar Month Fades | February 6 – March 5 |
| Gemstone | Sapphire |
| Colors | Green,Red |
| Roughly equivalent western sign | Aquarius |
| Polarity | Yang |
| Food | Bread, poultry |
| Positive Traits | Unpredictable, colorful, powerful, passionate, daring, impulsive, vigorous, stimulating, sincere, born to lead, affectionate, humanitarian, and generous. |
| Negative Traits | Restless, reckless, impatient, rebellious, quick-tempered, obstinate, selfish, aggressive, and moody. |
| Countries |  Russia,  Romania,  Spain,  Turkey,  Uruguay,  North Korea
|
See also
References
- ^ a b "Helping Couples Get Together...And Stay Together". usbridalguide.com. Retrieved 2012-05-23.
- ^ "Chinese zodiac - tiger". ChineseZodiac.com. Retrieved 2012-05-23.
- ^ Wu (2005) "Chinese Astrology" p. 17.
- ^ "Tiger". pages.infinit.net/garrick/chinese/. Retrieved 2012-05-23.
- ^ "2010 Chinese New Year Day, Zodiacs, Horoscopes, Parade, Festival". Chinesefortunecalendar.com. Retrieved 2010-06-19.
- ^ Tiger zodiac
- ^ Tiger Motto