Happy Year of the Tiger!

Tigers in Chinese Culture

In China, 2010 is the Year of the Tiger. The tiger is associated with the earth, and there are five types of tiger signs, depending on year of birth: water, wood, fire, earth and metal. 2010 is a metal Tiger Year. Metal Tigers are assertive, competitive and sharp.

History 

Throughout history, tigers have held important associations in Chinese culture. The meaning of the tiger in Chinese culture is usually power, force, luck and strength.

Tigers within Chinese Myth 

Tigers were important figures in Chinese Myth. The tiger was often depicted as an agent of Chinese martial arts. Some branches of Chinese martial arts base many of their movements 

and poses on the tiger.

Tigers were also traditionally considered masters of the forest or protectors of the mountains. In ancient times, people thought that the pattern of stripes along the tiger's forehead resembled the Chinese character for 'king', so the tiger was known as the king of all animals. Tigers are still considered ancestral gods within Chinese culture today.


So, Happy Chinese New Year!! May your Year of the Tiger be full of luck, love and prosperity!!
~Alli  :)