The Pig (or Boar): generous, warm and sincere
The Pig, also called the Boar, is the big heart of the Chinese zodiac: generous, honest and easy-going. Discover Pig personality, love, work, friends and clashes, plus every Pig year.
The full deep dive
The story of the Pig
The Pig came last in the Great Race because it stopped for a feast and a nap on the way. It arrived very contented, and the Jade Emperor still gave it a place on the wheel.
Personality
Pigs are warm, generous and good-humoured. They enjoy life’s pleasures, from good food to good company, and love sharing them. They are honest and trusting, and they see the best in people.
In love
The Pig is affectionate and easy-going in love, creating a comfortable, loving home. They are loyal partners who forgive easily and love to spoil the people they care about.
At work
Pigs thrive in hospitality, food, the arts, charity work and anything that helps people. Their kindness and patience make them valued colleagues.
Something to watch
The Pig can be too trusting, or indulge a little too much. Saying no now and then, and protecting its own generosity, keeps the Pig happy.
Friends, secret friend and clash
- Friend group: the Pig shares its slate blue colour on the wheel with the Rabbit and the Goat. Together they are the Diplomats, and they understand each other easily.
- Secret friend: the Tiger. This quiet, loyal bond is shown by a matching jewel on the inner ring.
- Clash: the Snake, directly opposite on the wheel. The two pull in opposite directions, which can mean friction, or real growth if both are willing to learn.
You can read more in Friend groups, secret friends and clashes.
Element and season
The Pig’s own fixed element is Water, and it is a Yin sign. It belongs to winter on the wheel. Every Pig year also carries a year element, which changes in a ten-year cycle, so a Fire Pig and a Water Pig share the same heart but show it differently. See The five elements for how the elements work.
Lucky things
Traditionally, the Pig’s lucky numbers are 2, 5 and 8, its lucky colours are yellow, grey, brown and gold, and its lucky flowers are hydrangea and daisy.
The Pig or the Boar?
In many English-language books this sign is called the Boar, and in Japan the twelfth animal is the wild boar. The Chinese character can mean either. On Starlight we use Pig, but the personality is the same whichever name you prefer.
Pig years
Your animal changes at Lunar New Year, not on 1 January. If you were born in January or early February, check the dates below carefully: you may belong to the animal before.
| Year | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Pig | 4 February 1935 | 23 January 1936 |
| Fire Pig | 22 January 1947 | 9 February 1948 |
| Earth Pig | 8 February 1959 | 27 January 1960 |
| Metal Pig | 27 January 1971 | 14 February 1972 |
| Water Pig | 13 February 1983 | 1 February 1984 |
| Wood Pig | 31 January 1995 | 18 February 1996 |
| Fire Pig | 18 February 2007 | 6 February 2008 |
| Earth Pig | 5 February 2019 | 24 January 2020 |
| Metal Pig | 23 January 2031 | 10 February 2032 |
Sources and perspectives
- Theodora Lau, The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes
- Derek Walters, The Complete Guide to Chinese Astrology
- Hong Kong Observatory, the Chinese calendar