Chinese New Year is all to do with Chinese Zodiac sign and originally had something to do with the worship of animals. This zodiac system has existed in Chinese culture since the Qin dynasty, more than 2,000 years ago.
Over time the zodiacs became more and more integrated into everyday life, with different meanings and characteristics assigned to each animal. This in turn gave rise to various compatibilities between each zodiac and plays a major role in marriage and career decisions, fortune-telling and more. The zodiac cycle repeats every 12 years as there is 12 zodiac animals which Chinese people worship.
This Chinese New Year is the twelfth zodiac animal which for 2019 is the year of the Pig. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived at his party. Pig was late because he overslept.
In terms of Yin and Yang, the Pig is yin. In Chinese culture, pigs are the symbol of wealth. Personalities of a Pig they might not stand out in a crowd, but they are very realistic. Though not wasteful spenders, they will let themselves enjoy life. They are a bit materialistic, but this is motivation for them to work hard.
Each year within the zodiac animal sign they are split into ‘Five Elements’ which are Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth. This is known as a 60-year calendrical cycle which is associated with the earth and this is where the five elements originate from.
