February 18 marks a brand new year for the Chinese. The year 2007 is the Year of the Fire Pig. The Pig is the last sign of the zodiac in the 12-year Chinese horoscope cycle. It recurs every twelfth year. So the years of the Pig are 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 and 2019.

The Pig person:

The Pig is a fun and enlightening personality blessed with patience and understanding. People born under the sign of the Pig enjoy life and all it has to offer, including family and friends. They are honest and thoughtful and expect the same of other people.

For the pig, it is better to give than to receive. They are more comfortable giving of their own time or attention than they are to ask others for it. They do not find asking for help an easy task and would rather carry the burden themselves.

Pigs will do anything they can to maintain a sense of peace amongst family or friends. This can lead to a tendency to be taken advantage of, but Pigs basically forgive and forget everything.

Pigs are hardworking, giving, willing, helpful, materialistic, gullible, oblivious and obstinate.

Piggy health:

Pigs enjoy being around other people, and being alone for long periods of time can cause illness in a Pig. They also like to party and have a tendency to over do it at times. Because they do not get much exercise, they also have a tendency to gain weight. A Pig’s stomach and intestines are prime spots for sickness because s/he tends to overindulge with food, alcohol or nicotine. So, Pigs should watch their diets, make sure they get enough vitamins and minerals each day and somehow work an exercise routine into their lives.

Their homes:

Pigs have comfortable, friendly homes that just invite you in. Their homes reflect materialistic gains as pigs like to show off assets and pay close attention to decorations in their homes. However, cleaning or chores is not a top priority with them.

Creative juices:

Pigs generally do really well when they get to be creative. They do better at jobs where they can express themselves. They are enthusiastic about taking on new responsibility and jump to give colleagues in need a hand. Pigs are well-liked by co-workers because are willing to help and they have an eye for detail that makes them quite invaluable to upper management.

No Piggy bank:

Pigs love to spend money. They have an eye for brands, so they spend a lot of it.

Pigs should be careful — a rainy day may just sneak up on them.

Pig of a career:

Pigs make excellent doctors, caterers, dentists, entertainers, veterinarians, department store personnel, interior decorators and are just apt for hotel management.

Pig’s a homemaker:

Pigs are great partners to have because they are so supportive and giving of themselves. They are happiest at home, so arguments about late nights out with friends are few and far between for the Pig and his mate. Pigs are sexual creatures who love to be affectionate.

They are grateful for the things they have, especially a loving and healthy family. Once they choose a partner, they are in it for the long haul. — Compiled

Piggy likes and dislikes:

• Colour: Dark blue

• Gems/stones: Lapis lazuli, coral, beryl

• Suitable gifts: Makeup, body lotion, bathrobe, mineral oils, shower gels

• Hobbies/pastimes: Shopping, parties, theatre

• Pigs dislike discord, bad behaviour and not having anything to eat.

Fire Pig:

The characteristics of the Pig are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of metal, water, wood, fire and earth overlaying a five-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle.

So, those born in 1947 and 2007 are influenced by the element of fire. The Fire Pigs are active, outgoing and extrovert, and breathe new life into everything they do. These Pigs are vivid, motivated individuals who cannot be deterred from their goals. They are emotional and passionate about their loved ones, their occupation and their objectives.

Being bold and vivacious, Fire Pigs are unafraid to take risks despite the consequences whatever those may be. They make great bosses because they work ever so hard and because they are so spirited.

And it is advised against doublecrossing a Fire Pig.

East and West

Aries Pig: Full of energy and life, these are affectionate lovers. They hunger for responsibility both mentally and physically.

Taurean Pig: Charming and luxurious, although they like to spend money, Taurean Pigs are good with it. They are completely grounded and motivated workers.

Gemini Pig: Party-loving and sociable, Gemini Pigs enjoy the good life. They love to host parties, but are very appearance-oriented.

Cancerian Pig: Happy to be on their couch at night, these Pigs enjoy their families and friends more than anything else. They like to take on projects around the house such as sewing or gardening.

Leonine Pig: These Pigs throw themselves into everything they do. They work hard, but they play hard. They are genuine and stable with hearts of gold.

Virgo Pig: They are very giving creatures who would go without just so others could have. They are sacrificial creatures who will really out on the heat if a family member or friend lets them down.

Libran Pig: These Pigs are sophisticated, beautiful individuals who make great companions. They are easygoing and lovable, but a bit indecisive.

Scorpio Pig: These Pigs are motivated and sociable individuals who base success on money and power. They will accomplish their goals of being wealthy no matter what it takes.

Sagittarian Pig: They spread good feelings everywhere they go. They are giving and accommodating and take good care of their loved ones.

Capricorn Pig: These are upstanding people who genuinely care about the welfare of people. They are hardworking, motivated people who are the first to speak up when something needs to be done.

Aquarian Pig: Talkative and friendly, these Pigs love to talk. They give good advice and often serve as role models for family and friends.

Piscean Pig: These are generally the most artistically able and creative of all the Pigs. They need to feel secure to be happy and will do whatever it takes to make a relationship or friendship work.