1914 1926 1938 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998 2010

 

Agressive, courageous, sensitive and considerate yet short tempered, often entering into conflict with others. For happiness seek the horse, dragon or dog but avoid the snake or monkey.

This is your year -- enjoy! In the next two years you must decide how you plan to shape the next decade of your existence. Things will go smoothly this year to help you on your way. Others will come to your aid. Don't waste time, use your good luck wisely. You will be extra charming this year so take advantage of it -- seduce and fall in love at least once. You may spend beyond your means or be unable to save money. There is romance and new friendships on the horizon. Don't take risks or make long-term commitments, however.

As the Year of the Ox nears it's end, people the world over are preparing to celebrate the dawn of lunar year 4696, which begins January 28. This time, the spotlight is on the Tiger a fast-paced, dynamic animal long seen as a symbol of good luck. The animal is a common motif on ancient Chinese artifacts, including the stone crvings and bronze works of the Shang Dynasty (1766-1122 B.C.) and Chou Dynasty (122-221 B.C.).

The tiger's impact goes far beyond royalty -- the animal is an object of appreciation in many people's daily lives. According to folk beliefs, wearing amulets and other accessories with tiger patterns will prevent disease. In northwestern China, children still wear handmade tiger-head shoes, bibs, caps and gloves. Tiger-patterned accessories are an important part of a bride's dowry, representing the birth of a new life.

To this day, many people maintain a custom during the Dragon Boat Festival of
hanging a good-luck tiger ornament braided from mugwort on their boats. Children wear amulets similar to the ornament during the festival, and parents paint the Chinese character for "king," representing the mighty tiger, on children's foreheads to protect them from harm.

In Taiwan, the tiger is a popular image in religion and folklore. Images of dragons and tigers are often paired off on walls of temples, and a statue of the "Master Tiger," a deity incarnation of the animal, is usually placed under the altar. Many entertainers and gamblers believe that worshipping the Master Tiger will bring them fame or riches.

Chinese astrology says that those born in the Year of the Tiger are independent, dictatorial, tough and strong. They prefer to act alone, and they think highly of themselves. Such people are also thought to be able to tenaciously endure hardship, emerging triumphant in the end.

According to traditional beliefs, the tiger represents power, dignity, bravery and leadership, yet can also be a symbol of evil, violence, danger and warmongering. What we make of it is up to us.

Tiger year people get along best with those born in the Year of the Dragon, Horse or Dog; unsuited for Serpent or Monkey year people.