Last in line but never least, the Pig closes the zodiac with warmth. Chinese folk tradition describes it as generous, sincere, and easy to be around. It enjoys good food, good company, and a comfortable home, and it shares all three freely. Tradition balances that portrait with a gentle caution about trusting too quickly.
The Pig is twelfth and corresponds to the branch 亥 (hài), a water branch in tradition. Read the traditions here as cultural material for reflection, not as statements about any individual.
Years of the Pig
Pig years run from Lunar New Year to Lunar New Year. The eight most recent are:
- 2019 Earth Pig: Feb 5, 2019 – Jan 24, 2020
- 2007 Fire Pig: Feb 18, 2007 – Feb 6, 2008
- 1995 Wood Pig: Jan 31, 1995 – Feb 18, 1996
- 1983 Water Pig: Feb 13, 1983 – Feb 1, 1984
- 1971 Metal Pig: Jan 27, 1971 – Feb 14, 1972
- 1959 Earth Pig: Feb 8, 1959 – Jan 27, 1960
- 1947 Fire Pig: Jan 22, 1947 – Feb 9, 1948
- 1935 Wood Pig: Feb 4, 1935 – Jan 23, 1936
Several Pig years reach well into the next February. The 2007 Fire Pig year began on Feb 18, 2007 and lasted until Feb 6, 2008, so January 2007 births are Fire Dog babies, while January 2008 births are still Pigs. The 2019 Earth Pig year started on Feb 5, 2019, so a birthday on February 4, 2019 still belongs to the Earth Dog year. Anyone with a January or early February birthday should look at the exact dates. BaZi, 八字 (Bā Zì, the four-pillar birth chart), uses Start of Spring, 立春 (Lì Chūn), as its boundary, and in 2027 that is February 4. The Chinese zodiac calculator applies both rules.
Element by year
| Earth Pig | 2019, 1959 |
|---|---|
| Fire Pig | 2007, 1947 |
| Wood Pig | 1995, 1935 |
| Water Pig | 1983 |
| Metal Pig | 1971 |
Each Pig year pairs with one of the five elements, 五行 (wǔ xíng).
Earth Pig (1959, 2019). Yellow and brown earth make the Pig practical and nurturing. Tradition describes a steady, nurturing, and loyal friend. It may resist leaving its comfort zone.
Fire Pig (1947, 2007). Red fire brings enthusiasm and courage. The Fire Pig is pictured as energetic and openhearted, generous to a fault. It may act on impulse.
Wood Pig (1935, 1995). Green wood adds sociability and kindness. This Pig is said to be a natural connector who brings people together. It may find it hard to refuse a request.
Water Pig (1983). Water, in black and blue, deepens the Pig’s sensitivity. Tradition calls it intuitive and diplomatic. It may absorb other people’s moods.
Metal Pig (1971, 2031). White and gold metal give the Pig more resolve. The Metal Pig is described as determined and frank about what it wants. It may cling to plans that need changing.
Traditional personality traits
The Pig is commonly described as sincere, generous, and easygoing. Tradition sees its strengths in that warmth and tolerance. It tends to give people the benefit of the doubt and to forgive easily. Folk descriptions also credit it with a capacity for enjoyment that makes gatherings feel relaxed.
On the cautious side, it is also commonly described as too trusting. Trust offered too quickly can leave the Pig open to being taken advantage of. An easygoing nature may also delay hard decisions.
In relationships and work
The traditional Pig is an affectionate, loyal partner who builds a welcoming home. It shows love through hospitality and time together. A reflection point is to set clear boundaries, since generosity lasts longer when it is not stretched thin.
At work, folk descriptions link the Pig with tasks that need patience and goodwill, such as supporting a team and bringing people together. It cooperates well and avoids office politics. Many Pig-year people use this as a reminder to speak up for their own ideas, not only for others.
Best and challenging matches
The Pig’s pairings follow classical branch rules. Try any pair in the zodiac compatibility calculator.
Harmonious, in tradition
- Three Harmony, 三合 (sān hé), with the Rabbit and the Goat, the 亥卯未 (hài mǎo wèi) group, a wood combination in tradition: Rabbit and Pig, Goat and Pig.
- Six Harmony, 六合 (liù hé), with the Tiger, 寅亥 (yín hài): Tiger and Pig.
Challenging, in tradition
- Clash, 六冲 (liù chōng), with the Snake, 巳亥 (sì hài): Snake and Pig.
- Harm, 六害 (liù hài), with the Monkey, 申亥 (shēn hài): Monkey and Pig.
- Self-punishment, 自刑 (zì xíng), between two Pigs: Pig and Pig.
Two Pigs may share the same easygoing habits, which is one way to read that label. Many such pairs take turns being the one who sets limits.
The Pig in 2027
The Fire Goat year, 丁未 (Dīng Wèi), begins on February 6, 2027. In Chinese tradition, the Pig’s branch 亥 (hài) joins the Rabbit’s 卯 (mǎo) and the year’s 未 (wèi) in the Three Harmony group 亥卯未 (hài mǎo wèi). The traditional Tai Sui, 太岁 (Tài Suì, the year’s guardian star in folk belief), reading sees this as a year in harmony for the Pig. Tradition considers it well suited to cooperation and joint projects. The Pig 2027 forecast and the Year of the Fire Goat overview go into detail.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pig also called the Boar?
Yes, both names appear in English for the twelfth sign. This site uses Pig.
Was 1995 a Pig year?
Yes. The Wood Pig year ran from Jan 31, 1995 to Feb 18, 1996. That means January 1-30, 1995 births belong to the Wood Dog year, and early February 1996 births are still Pigs.
Why does 2027 look harmonious for Pigs?
The Pig, Rabbit, and Goat form one of the four Three Harmony groups. 2027 is a Goat year, so tradition reads it as friendly to Pigs. A full BaZi chart adds more layers.