Jersey Stamps year 2019 Chinese New Year – Year of the Pig

Jersey Stamps year 2019 Chinese New Year – Year of the Pig MNH set

The Year of the Pig in the Chinese zodiac is associated with one of the 12 animal signs in the traditional Chinese calendar. It is celebrated during Chinese New Year, a vibrant festival marking the start of the lunar calendar. The most recent Year of the Pig was 2019, and the next will be in 2031.

Significance of the Pig in Chinese Culture

The Pig is the twelfth and final animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle and is considered a symbol of:

• Wealth and Prosperity: Pigs are traditionally associated with abundance and good fortune.
• Honesty and Kindness: Those born in the Year of the Pig are thought to be straightforward, warm-hearted, and generous.
• Enjoyment and Comfort: The Pig also represents a love for life’s pleasures, including good food and relaxation.

Dates for the Year of the Pig

Chinese New Year’s date changes annually, depending on the lunar calendar. For example:

• 2019: February 5, 2019 – January 24, 2020
• 2031: January 22, 2031 – February 10, 2032

Chinese New Year Traditions

The Year of the Pig is celebrated with traditional customs that bring families together and ensure luck for the year ahead:

1. Reunion Dinners: Families gather for a feast on New Year’s Eve, featuring dishes that symbolize prosperity, health, and happiness.
2. Decorations: Homes are adorned with red banners, paper-cut decorations, and images of pigs to welcome good fortune.
3. Firecrackers and Lion Dances: These are performed to drive away evil spirits and bring joy to communities.
4. Giving Red Envelopes (Hongbao): Containing money, these are gifts of luck, particularly for children and unmarried individuals.

Traits of People Born in the Year of the Pig

Those born in the Year of the Pig are believed to embody characteristics associated with the animal:

• Positive Traits: Honest, reliable, tolerant, and compassionate.
• Challenges: They may be naive, overly trusting, or indulgent.

Elemental Pigs

Each Year of the Pig is associated with one of the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), which further influences personality traits:

• 2019 (Earth Pig): Practical, grounded, and hardworking.
• 2031 (Metal Pig): Ambitious, determined, and strong-willed.

Celebrations in 2019: Year of the Earth Pig

The 2019 Year of the Pig was celebrated worldwide with parades, lantern festivals, and cultural performances. It marked the end of the zodiac cycle, symbolizing a time to reflect on the past and prepare for new beginnings with joy and optimism.