2022 is the Year of the Tiger, so we look at what that means and how South Africans can honour those celebrating the Chinese New Year in 2022.
Global (05 January 2022) – The year 2022 marks the Year of the Tiger. This is a very good year, according to the Chinese Zodiac. The tiger is the most powerful animal in China and symbolises bravery, luck, and power. These are all the things we need to make 2022 a better year.
According to the Chinese lunar calendar, this signals the beginning of spring and the start of a new year. New Year is the most celebrated Chinese holiday, observed worldwide and is marked with a week-long holiday, family reunions, and fireworks.
Similar to Christmas and Hannukah in other countries, people exchange gifts during the Spring Festival. Chinese tradition sees the exchange of New Year red envelopes with Lucky Money. The colour red symbolising luck, joy, and happiness.
Zodiac Animals
There are twelve zodiac animals, and they appear in a 12-year cycle. This is the order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Years of the Tiger include 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938. However, each of these years has been different. For example, 2010 was the year of the Gold Tiger, 1998 was the Earth Tiger, and 2022 is the year of the Water Tiger.
The zodiac years are always assigned an element, which means that the Year of the Water Tiger will only happen every 60 years. According to China Highlights, the Water Tiger has a strong sense of learning and self-esteem.
So this could very well be the year we all learn new things and build ourselves back up. Some very famous people have been born in a Tiger year. Queen Elizabeth II was born the year of the Fire Tiger (1926), Lady Gaga is also a Fire Tiger (1986), Tom Cruise is a Water Tiger (1962), and Leonardo Di Caprio is a Wood Tiger (1974).
What will Water Tiger bring to Good Things Guy?
In South Africa, we have a melting pot of cultures, races, and religions. We are looking forward to sharing more of the celebrations that take place in our beautiful land.
Seeing as 2022 will be a year of learning, we hope that you will join us in learning more about the people of South Africa and the things being celebrated that don’t usually feature in the standard diary or calendar.
Let us know which celebration you would like to know more about in the comment section, and we will be sure to share our research.
How to wish someone a Happy Chinses New Year?
When wishing a Chinese person a happy new year during the upcoming celebrations, be sure to emphasise wishing them good fortune, health, and wealth. These are important blessings that will bring joy.
If you would like to learn Mandarin or Cantonese phrases to go along with your wishes, check out how here.
For those celebrating, may the Year Of the Tiger bring you luck, prosperity, and bravery!
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