Imagine celebrating the start of a new year with fireworks, festive foods, and ancient traditions—now, travel back in time to the Chinese New Year of 1959. This special year welcomed the Earth Pig, a zodiac symbol rich with meaning and personality in Chinese culture. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating traditions of Chinese New Year 1959, its historical significance, and what made this zodiac year unique. Curious about old customs and symbolic meanings? Read on to discover more!
The Year of the Earth Pig: Chinese New Year 1959
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Understanding the Chinese Zodiac Calendar
In Chinese culture, the zodiac calendar is a rich tapestry of myth, symbolism, and tradition. Each year in the 12-year zodiac cycle is represented by an animal, and every 60 years, an additional layer is added through the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. The year 1959 is especially notable as the Year of the Earth Pig, making it a milestone in many people’s lives and in the history of Chinese astrology.
The Origins and History of Chinese New Year 1959
When Did Chinese New Year Fall in 1959?
In 1959, Chinese New Year began on February 8th and marked the start of the Earth Pig year, ending on January 27th, 1960. This date is based on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar, which differs from the Western Gregorian calendar.
The Pig in the Zodiac Cycle
The Pig is the twelfth and final animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle. According to legend, the Jade Emperor invited animals to a race to determine their place in the cycle. The Pig, easy-going and unhurried, came last, earning the twelfth spot. This ending position imbues the zodiac Pig with qualities of satisfaction, completion, and fullness – it’s seen as a sign of comfort and blessings.
Cultural Meaning and Symbolism
The Pig: Wealth, Honesty, and Contentment
In Chinese culture, the Pig (猪, zhū) is a symbol of abundance and good fortune. Its round appearance represents wealth and prosperity. The image of a pig is often featured in folk art, decorations, and—most famously—in piggy banks, which reflect the belief that invoking the Pig will attract good luck and monetary gain.
The Earth Element: Stability and Generosity
Chinese astrology also assigns an element to each zodiac year. In 1959, this was the element of Earth. Earth Pigs are seen as grounded, trustworthy, and generous. Earth brings a stabilizing influence, emphasizing reliability and a practical approach to life. People born in 1959 are often credited with a harmonious blend of warmth and dependability.
The Earth Pig Personality
People born in the Year of the Earth Pig (Feb 8, 1959 – Jan 27, 1960) are known for their:
- Generosity and Kindness: Earth Pigs are generous with time, resources, and affection, always willing to help friends and family.
- Honesty: Sincerity is a hallmark of this sign. Direct but considerate, Earth Pigs are trusted confidants.
- Enjoyment of Life: These individuals appreciate the finer things—food, leisure, art—and seek to share enjoyment with others.
- Stability: Earth Pigs are known for their reliable, down-to-earth attitude.
- Patience and Tolerance: Their calm nature makes them easy companions and valuable team members.
Notable Characteristics
Sometimes, this easy-going nature can be misunderstood as laziness or self-indulgence, but more often, the Pig’s enjoyment of life is seen as an admirable tendency toward appreciation and gratitude.
Chinese New Year 1959: Traditions and Celebrations
Customs and Festivities
Chinese New Year is a time of grand celebrations across Chinese families and communities. In 1959, as every year, the festival included:
- Cleaning and Decorating the Home: Before the New Year, families cleaned thoroughly to sweep away bad luck and decorated their homes with red lanterns, couplets, and paper cuttings.
- Reunion Dinner: On New Year’s Eve, families gathered for an abundant meal featuring favorites such as dumplings, fish (for prosperity), and sweet rice cakes.
- Firecrackers and Lion Dances: These remain classic parts of New Year festivities, used to scare away evil spirits and welcome in joy.
- Visiting Relatives: The tradition of paying respects, exchanging gifts, and handing out lucky red envelopes (hongbao) to children continues.
- Year-Specific Decorations: In 1959, Pig images and motifs were especially prominent—on banners, lanterns, and even sweets.
Symbolic Foods and Offerings
The foods chosen for New Year often symbolize good wishes:
– Dumplings: Shaped like gold ingots, symbolizing wealth.
– Pork Dishes: Extra significant in Pig years, representing bounty and satisfaction.
– Sweets and Fruits: For sweetness and a “sweet” year ahead.
Pig-Themed Variations and Folk Practices
Every zodiac year brings themed traditions, and 1959 was no exception. Pig figurines, stamps, and artwork were popular gifts, and stories about famous “pigs” in folklore were recited to children. Newborns of 1959 were often given names or keepsakes relating to the Pig, believed to ensure good luck and happiness.
Some regions in China crafted special paper-cuttings and embroidery patterns for the Year of the Pig, featuring round, smiling piglets symbolizing abundance and family harmony.
Myths and Stories About the Pig
The Zodiac Race
As the tale goes, the Pig almost missed the entire zodiac race. Having stopped for a snack and a nap, it finished last—but made it to the finish line with a smile, reflecting a core Pig quality: enjoying the journey.
Pigs in Chinese Folklore
Pigs are celebrated as creatures of luck and rebirth. In agricultural culture, pigs were signs of wealth and plenty, as households with more pigs were considered prosperous. In mythology, Zhu Bajie, the half-man, half-pig companion in Journey to the West, is a beloved figure who, despite flaws, is loyal and resourceful.
Daily Life and the Legacy of 1959 Earth Pigs
Those born in 1959 are now treasured elders within their families and communities. Earth Pigs are often admired for their wisdom and tolerant approach to life. Their years of experience make them valued mentors during family gatherings or public events, especially during New Year’s festivities when stories of past celebrations are retold.
Many still keep tokens from their birth year, such as pig-shaped ornaments or calligraphy scrolls wishing for good fortune. Family members might inquire about an Earth Pig’s advice or invite them to take a prominent role in New Year gatherings, honoring the stability and warmth they symbolize.
Compatibility and Fortune
Love and Relationships
Earth Pig individuals are compatible with other harmonious, sincere signs:
– Best Matches: Goat, Tiger, Rabbit
– Challenging Matches: Snake, Monkey
In friendships and romance, Earth Pigs bring trust and a sincere heart, seeking genuine, lasting connections.
Lucky Symbols for the Earth Pig
- Lucky Numbers: 5 and 6
- Lucky Colors: Black, dark blue
- Auspicious Flowers: Hydrangea, marguerite, daffodil
Keeping these colors or symbols nearby during the Pig year is thought to attract well-being and luck.
Modern Relevance of the Year of the Pig
Even today, the themes of the Pig year—well-being, honesty, and abundance—continue to resonate. Brands, artists, and communities feature pig motifs in Lunar New Year designs. For those born in 1959, their zodiac year returns every 12 years, providing a reason to celebrate and reflect on cycles of renewal.
With rapid social changes since 1959, many traditions have evolved, but the key values of family, generosity, and harmony endure. People honor their zodiac year with pride, cherishing their place in a tradition that stretches back thousands of years.
Interesting Facts About Chinese New Year 1959
- The year 1959 is called “Earth Pig” or sometimes “Yellow Pig,” referencing its elemental association.
- The “Pig hour” in traditional Chinese timekeeping is from 9–11pm, considered an auspicious time during the festival.
- People born before February 8th, 1959, actually fall under the previous zodiac sign, Earth Dog.
- The cycle combines both animal and element, so the next “Earth Pig” year did not occur again until 2019.
- Piggy banks became especially popular as gifts in 1959, reflecting the wish for prosperity.
- Many Chinese wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and pastries in 1959 featured pig designs to mark the year.
- In Feng Shui and traditional name selection, Pig year children often received names or trinkets to invoke luck and peace.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year 1959, the Year of the Earth Pig, holds a special place in cultural memory and family stories. Its associations with abundance, honesty, and harmony offer wisdom for all generations. Whether you were born in 1959 or are simply drawn to the cheerful symbolism of the Pig, the traditions and stories from this year remind us of the lasting richness of Chinese culture. As we look back on the Earth Pig’s year, we celebrate the spirit of generosity, contentment, and shared joy that it inspires.
FAQ
1. What date was Chinese New Year in 1959?
Chinese New Year in 1959 began on February 8th, marking the start of the Year of the Earth Pig.
2. What does being born in the Year of the Pig mean?
It means your character is believed to embody the Pig’s qualities: generosity, honesty, warmth, and a love for life. The Pig is the twelfth animal in the Chinese zodiac.
3. What element corresponds to 1959’s Pig year?
The element was Earth. People born in 1959 are called “Earth Pigs” — practical, reliable, and nurturing.
4. Are all people born in 1959 Year of the Pig?
No. Only those born from February 8, 1959 to January 27, 1960 are Earth Pigs. Those born earlier in 1959 fall under the Earth Dog.
5. What are the lucky numbers and colors for people born in 1959?
Lucky numbers are 5 and 6; lucky colors are black and dark blue.
6. How is the Year of the Pig traditionally celebrated?
With family gatherings, reunion dinners, pig-themed decorations, fireworks, red envelopes, and special dishes like pork and dumplings.
7. What are some personality traits of the Earth Pig?
Earth Pigs are seen as kind, trustworthy, calm, and appreciative of life’s pleasures. They value stability and strong relationships.
8. What is the Pig’s significance in Chinese culture?
The Pig represents wealth, hospitality, and contentment. It’s a popular symbol on New Year decorations, piggy banks, and art.
9. Is the Pig year considered lucky?
Yes, Pig years are generally regarded as lucky, bringing prosperity and well-being, especially for those whose own zodiac sign is Pig.
10. How often does the Year of the Earth Pig occur?
Every 60 years, as the Chinese zodiac cycle combines 12 animals with 5 elements. The last Earth Pig years were 1959 and 2019.
