The Lunar New Year is here! DIVERSEcity would like to wish you and your loved ones a happy and prosperous new year! Now is the time to wish your friends and loved ones “xīn nián hǎo (新年好). This year, the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, falls on February 1 and lasts until February 15, 2022. This marks the beginning of the Year of the Tiger.
Every year in the lunar calendar is represented by one of 12 zodiac animals — Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig, rotating in cycles of 12 years.
Where does the zodiac sequence come from?
The story behind the sequence of the animals dates back more than 2,000 years ago. Although varying, legend has it the Jade Emperor of the Qin Dynasty called for a “Great Race” of every animal in the kingdom where 12 animals would be selected to become his personal guards. The order in which they arrived first dictated their rankings in the system.
In Chinese culture, the zodiac system is believed to play a large role in your life and fortune for the year, from your health, career, relationships, to your personality. Each animal has its own natural characteristics and cultural meanings, which are bestowed on people born in that year.
Find out what zodiac animal you are from the table below:
| Zodiac Animal | Chinese Name | Recent Years |
| Rat | 鼠 (shǔ) | 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032 |
| Ox | 牛 (niú) | 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033 |
| Tiger | 虎 (hǔ) | 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034 |
| Rabbit | 兔 (tù) | 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035 |
| Dragon | 龙 (lóng) | 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036 |
| Snake | 蛇 (shé) | 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037 |
| Horse | 马 (mǎ) | 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038 |
| Sheep | 羊 (yáng) | 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039 |
| Monkey | 猴 (hóu) | 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040 |
| Rooster | 鸡 (jī) | 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041 |
| Dog | 狗 (gǒu) | 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042 |
| Pig | 猪 (zhū) | 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043 |
If you want to know more about your predictions of the year for your zodiac sign, make sure you are following us on social media at @DIVERSECITYBC to find out what’s in store for the Year of the Tiger.
What will the Year of the Tiger bring?
Tigers are known as the “king of all beasts.” They are known for their ambition and courage, but are also generous, with a strong moral compass and a drive to help others. Tigers are known to always seek justice.
As we enter the Year of the Tiger, this will be a year full of risks, passion and adventure. Progress seems possible with the vital mentality of the Tiger as we find enthusiasm again for both ourselves and for others. Everyone is fired up.
As friends and family gather for the new year, we are proud to celebrate the Year of the Tiger with all those who celebrate. Happy Lunar New Year from DIVERSEcity!