Year of the Pig: Chinese zodiac meaning, years and the five elements
The Pig — the Boar in some translations — is the last of the twelve animals: generous, sincere and easy-going, the one who enjoys life and shares it. Here is what the tradition reads in it, its years, and its five elements.
Years: 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043
Character
The Pig arrived last in the great race, the story goes, because it stopped to eat and rest — and the tradition reads that as wisdom about what matters. People born in a Pig year are read as warm, honest and generous, good-natured hosts who enjoy life and want others to enjoy it too.
The Pig belongs to the branch 亥, yin water, the opening of winter, when the year's work is done and the household gathers. Its water holds a little wood, so the tradition reads the Pig as kind and growing, tolerant and trusting. It is diligent when it cares and loyal to the end. Its shadow, in the same reading, is trusting too quickly, and indulging a little longer than is wise.
In love
In love the Pig is read as affectionate, devoted and sincere, a partner who gives wholeheartedly and forgives easily. It makes a warm home. What asks for care is the Pig's trust: it may overlook early signs it would rather not see. The tradition reads the Pig's best bonds as those where its generosity is met by equal care.
At work
At work the tradition gives the Pig diligence, honesty and a cooperative spirit — hospitality, care work, the arts, food, charity, any field that rewards warmth and reliability. People like working with it. The caution is about being taken advantage of, and about saying yes to more than it can carry.
Harmonies and clashes
The tradition places the Pig in a six harmony with the Tiger and in the three harmony of wood with the Rabbit and the Goat. Its clash is with the Snake, opposite it in the circle: openness meeting reserve. The Monkey is its harm, and the Pig is one of the four signs the tradition says punishes itself. None of this decides a bond between two people.
The five elements of this sign
- Wood Pig乙亥
The Wood Pig (乙亥) is read as compassionate, cooperative and optimistic: wood gives the Pig a growing generosity and a gift for bringing people together.
Years: 1935, 1995
- Fire Pig丁亥
The Fire Pig (丁亥) is read as passionate, brave and generous: fire gives the Pig energy and a bolder way of going after what it loves.
Years: 1947, 2007
- Earth Pig己亥
The Earth Pig (己亥) is read as patient, steady and reliable: earth grounds the Pig's warmth in practical care and long loyalty.
Years: 1959, 2019
- Metal Pig辛亥
The Metal Pig (辛亥) is read as determined, honest and strong-willed: metal gives the Pig firmer boundaries and a clear sense of what is right.
Years: 1911, 1971, 2031
- Water Pig癸亥
The Water Pig (癸亥) doubles the Pig's own element and closes the sixty-year cycle: read as intuitive, gentle and deeply kind, with water's empathy.
Years: 1923, 1983, 2043
A question to take with you
What do you enjoy that you could share with someone this week — and what would you enjoy keeping just for yourself?
Updated October 28, 2026