The animal for Chinese New Year 2019 was the Pig, marking the beginning of the Year of the Earth Pig on February 5, 2019. This date signifies the lunar new year according to the traditional Chinese calendar, and people around the world celebrated with festivals, family reunions, and symbolic customs tied to the Pig’s reputation for generosity, diligence, and prosperity. As one of the most anticipated events in the Chinese zodiac cycle, what animal will it be for Chinese New Year 2019 became a widely searched phrase leading up to the festivities, reflecting global interest in understanding the cultural and astrological significance of the upcoming year.
Understanding the Chinese Zodiac Cycle
The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal sign: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. These animals are rooted in Chinese mythology and folklore, particularly the legendary race organized by the Jade Emperor, where each animal earned its place in the zodiac based on its performance. The Pig is the twelfth and final animal in this sequence, symbolizing completion, abundance, and good fortune.
Each zodiac animal is also associated with one of the five elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—which rotate every two years. In 2019, the Pig was paired with the Earth element, making it the Year of the Earth Pig. This combination influences the characteristics attributed to the year, adding stability, practicality, and nurturing energy to the Pig’s natural traits.
Why Was 2019 the Year of the Pig?
The determination of which animal represents a given Chinese New Year is based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar, which aligns with moon phases and the solar year. Chinese New Year falls between January 21 and February 20 in the Gregorian calendar, depending on the second new moon after the winter solstice. In 2019, that date was February 5, officially ushering in the Year of the Pig.
The Pig is often misunderstood in Western interpretations as lazy or gluttonous, but in Chinese culture, it stands for honesty, compassion, and wealth. People born in Pig years—such as 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, and 2019—are believed to inherit these positive qualities. The year itself is considered auspicious for financial growth, family harmony, and personal well-being.
Cultural Significance of the Pig in 2019
The Year of the Pig in 2019 was especially notable because Pigs are associated with agricultural abundance and peace. Historically, pigs were vital to rural economies in China, symbolizing food security and domestic prosperity. During Lunar New Year celebrations, images of pigs appeared in decorations, red envelopes, and children's clothing, reinforcing hopes for a bountiful year ahead.
In Chinese astrology, the Earth Pig of 2019 was seen as more grounded than other Pig years. While all Pigs are linked to luck and comfort, the Earth element brought a sense of realism and hard work, suggesting that success would come through perseverance rather than chance. This made 2019 a favorable year for launching businesses, investing in property, or strengthening relationships—areas where long-term effort yields results.
How Chinese New Year Dates Are Determined
Unlike the fixed Gregorian calendar, the Chinese lunar calendar determines the exact start of the new year. It combines lunar cycles with solar positioning, ensuring seasonal consistency. The first day of Chinese New Year always falls on the second (or occasionally third) new moon after the winter solstice. In 2019, this alignment occurred on February 5, following the new moon on January 6 and another on February 5.
This system explains why Chinese New Year shifts annually in the Western calendar. For example:
| Year | Chinese Zodiac Animal | Start Date (Gregorian) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Rooster | January 28 |
| 2018 | Dog | February 16 |
| 2019 | Pig | February 5 |
| 2020 | Rat | January 25 |
| 2021 | Ox | February 12 |
These variations affect holiday planning worldwide, especially in countries with large Chinese communities such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Canada, and the United States, where schools and businesses may adjust schedules accordingly.
Global Celebrations of the Year of the Pig
From Chinatowns in New York and San Francisco to major cities like London, Sydney, and Bangkok, public events marked the arrival of the Year of the Pig. Parades featured dragon dances, firecrackers, lion performances, and elaborate floats adorned with pig motifs. Governments and corporations released special edition coins, stamps, and merchandise to commemorate the occasion.
In mainland China, the Spring Festival travel rush—known as chunyun—peaked during this period, with hundreds of millions traveling home for reunion dinners. Families cleaned their homes to sweep away bad luck, decorated with red couplets and lanterns, and gave red envelopes (hongbao) containing money to children and unmarried relatives.
Common Misconceptions About the Pig Year
One widespread misconception is that the Pig symbolizes laziness or greed. However, in traditional Chinese values, the Pig reflects sincerity, patience, and contentment. Another myth is that Pig years are unlucky for marriage or business—on the contrary, many couples chose 2019 for weddings, believing the Earth Pig would bring fertility and financial stability.
Some also confuse the Chinese zodiac with Western astrology, assuming compatibility works the same way. While both systems assess personality and relationships, the Chinese zodiac emphasizes cyclical time and elemental balance rather than planetary positions.
How to Prepare for a Chinese New Year Celebration
Whether celebrating at home or attending a community event, preparation enhances the experience. Key steps include:
- Set a cleaning day: Before Lunar New Year’s Eve, clean your home thoroughly to remove negative energy.
- Decorate with red: Hang paper cutouts, couplets, and lanterns featuring auspicious phrases and Pig imagery.
- Prepare traditional foods: Dishes like dumplings (symbolizing wealth), fish (for surplus), and rice cakes (for higher status) are essential.
- Plan family gatherings: Prioritize reunion dinners and gift-giving, especially red envelopes for younger generations.
- Check local event schedules: Many cities host parades and temple fairs; verify dates via official tourism websites.
Regional Variations in Celebrating the Year of the Pig
Customs vary across regions. In northern China, dumplings dominate the New Year’s Eve meal, while southern families favor niangao (sticky rice cake). In Vietnam, which follows a similar lunar calendar, 2019 was the Year of the Boar—a close relative of the Pig—with comparable symbolism.
In Taiwan, temples held special prayers for prosperity under the Earth Pig’s influence. Overseas Chinese communities adapted traditions based on local laws—for instance, some cities restricted fireworks due to safety regulations, replacing them with light shows.
Zodiac Compatibility in the Year of the Pig
Astrologers believe that certain zodiac signs benefit more during Pig years. Those born under the Rabbit, Goat, and Tiger are said to enjoy strong luck in love and career. Conversely, the Snake and Monkey may face challenges and are advised to exercise caution in major decisions.
However, individual outcomes depend on birth charts that consider hour, month, and year of birth, not just the annual animal. Professional feng shui consultants often provide personalized guidance during transitional years like 2019.
Looking Ahead: Future Chinese New Year Animals
After the Pig, the cycle resets with the Year of the Rat in 2020, followed by the Ox in 2021, Tiger in 2022, and so on. Each transition offers reflection on past achievements and anticipation of new opportunities. Understanding what animal will it be for Chinese New Year 2019 helps contextualize broader patterns in the zodiac timeline, aiding those who track cultural trends or plan life events around astrological cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What date did the Year of the Pig begin in 2019?
- The Year of the Pig began on February 5, 2019, and lasted until January 24, 2020.
- Is the Year of the Pig considered lucky?
- Yes, the Pig is associated with wealth, honesty, and good fortune, making it a generally auspicious year.
- What element was paired with the Pig in 2019?
- The Earth element was paired with the Pig in 2019, enhancing stability and practical success.
- Who should be cautious during the Year of the Pig?
- People born in the Year of the Snake or Monkey may encounter obstacles and are advised to stay balanced.
- How can I find out my Chinese zodiac sign?
- You can determine your sign by matching your birth year to the 12-animal cycle—e.g., 1995, 2007, and 2019 are Pig years.
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