Recently updated on July 24th, 2023 at 01:30 pm
The Chinese zodiac, or Sheng Xiao, is a 12-year cycle of animals and their attributes based on the lunar calendar. Legend says that the Jade Emperor said the order of the zodiac animals would be decided by the order they arrived at his party. The 12 zodiac animals, in order, are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
The Chinese zodiac signs also incorporate five elements, including wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each year isn’t just based on the animal, it also has an ascribed element. For example, 2023 isn’t just the Year of the Rabbit – it’s the Year of the Water Rabbit. This originated with the Chinese Five Elements Theory, or Wu Xing, a philosophy describing the interdependence and interactions between all things. This theory forms the foundation of most Eastern traditions like acupuncture, feng shui, martial arts and holistic medicine.
Since Trafalgar was founded in 1947, that makes us a Fire Pig! We dive into the Chinese zodiac to find out more about what that means for our values and attributes.
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The Pig in the Chinese zodiac
The Pig is the twelfth animal in the Chinese zodiac. Some legends say the Pig was last to the party because he overslept, while others say a wolf destroyed his house and he had to rebuild before he could come to the party and arrived late.
Regardless of the Pig’s position in the zodiac, pigs are a symbol of wealth and good fortune in Chinese culture. Pigs are said to be generous, diligent and compassionate. They are energetic, enthusiastic, and love to have fun. They have a great sense of responsibility and handle conflict calmly.
Those born in 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 or 2019 are all Year of the Pig. But those who were born in 1947 and 2007 are something more special (in our biased view)… A Fire Pig!
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The Fire element
Those born in the Fire years are true adventure seekers. They are creative, motivated and passionate and they’ll take anyone along for the ride. They can get bored easily and love to be spontaneous and spread their wings.
So what does it mean when you put both together and get a Fire Pig? Let’s find out…
Fire Pigs
Here are some of the main attributes and traits of Fire Pigs in the Chinese zodiac:
- Fire Pigs are adventurous and energetic and always take a positive approach.
- They are friendly, genuine, kind, generous and ready to help others in need. They are good listeners. Fire Pigs get along with everyone.
- They are spontaneous, creative, and outgoing. They have a good sense of humour and love to entertain those around them. You’ll never get bored around a Fire Pig.
- They are ambitious, keen learners, and persevering in their goals.
- Fire Pigs are reliable hard workers with strong integrity. They are happy when they feel they are being of service to others.
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Trafalgar as a Fire Pig
We relate well to the traits of a Fire Pig! As leaders in the travel industry for over 75 years with teams across six continents, and over 300 trips across all 7 continents, it’s safe to say we love adventure and we’re totally passionate about all things travel.
Our passionate team members work tirelessly with Local Specialists on the ground to bring destinations to life. We work with integrity and always promise only the most heartfelt service for our fabulous guests. And we certainly love to entertain! Our Travel Directors and teams are friendly, genuine, and outgoing and really do seem to get along with everyone.
Our guest’s feedback is what fuels us and inspires us to continue innovating and crafting the best trips. We are also united in our goal to connect, care and leave a positive impact on the people and places we visit.
That sounds like a true Fire Pig!
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Famous Fire Pigs
Are you a Fire Pig like Trafalgar? If so, you’re in good company. Here are some other notable Fire Pigs:
- Elton John
- David Bowie
- Stephen King
- Farrah Fawcett
- David Letterman
- Ted Danson
- Larry David
- Glenn Close
- Camilla Parker-Bowles
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Alan Sugar
- Hillary Clinton
- Brian May
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What is your Chinese zodiac sign? Let us know in the comments below!