Chinese zodiac animals: The tiger and what it represents

By Zhou Jing: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, January 26, 2025

Editor's note: The Chinese zodiac, or "shengxiao," consists of 12 animal signs that mark the years. Each animal represents one year in a repeating 12-year cycle, which is calculated based on the Chinese lunar calendar.

The 12 animals, in order, are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. These animals, along with the 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches, are traditionally believed to significantly influence human personalities, marriages, careers and fortunes, thereby holding great importance in individuals' lives.

Some historians believe the Chinese zodiac took shape during the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220), while others trace its origins back to the Western Zhou dynasty (1046 B.C.-771 B.C.). Throughout its development, the Chinese zodiac has inspired a variety of widely accepted animal-related legends and folktales.

One legend holds that the order of the zodiac animals was decided by Emperor Xuanyuan. After summoning the animals, he ranked the first one he saw at the top, with the other 11 following.

The tiger refused to accept its position in the zodiac order, so Emperor Xuanyuan honored it with the title "King of the Mountain" and placed it immediately after the rat and ox. Folktales say that the tiger helped humans defeat the three most ferocious animals that had caused disasters, which led to a recommendation for third place in the zodiac order. In traditional Chinese culture, the tiger symbolizes strength and courage.

People born in the Year of the Tiger are often seen as brave, confident, steadfast, tenacious and independent. They are typically encouraged to pursue careers as politicians, adventurers, firefighters, economists and managers in the clothing, catering and fitness industries.

The Tiger years include 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 and 2034.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the 2025 Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Jan. 29, 2025. This day marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake, which will last until Feb. 16, 2026. Since 2025 overlaps with most of the Year of the Snake, it is commonly referred to as such.