The lunar new year begins on February 1, 2022. Many countries celebrate the lunar new year and see it as one of the most important holidays of the year. I have shared about different countries and different celebrations over the years. I always enjoy checking out the Chinese horoscope that goes with it. The legend says that the Jade Emperor wanted twelve animals to be his guard. He sent an immortal to tell the animals and they raced to the Jade Emperor. The first twelve animals became his guard and are the animals of the Chinese Horoscope. This year we are on the third animal of the horoscope, the tiger.
Year of the Tiger
People born in the year of the tiger are said to be brave, competitive, confident, charming and well-liked. They believe in and fight for justice for all. They can be stubborn and irritable. They are born leaders although they often do not make any preparations or plans. They handle things as they come. They do not go back on their word. People born in 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, ... are tigers. (People born in January and February would have to check their specific birthdays since the lunar new year does not match our calendar.) Some famous tigers are Queen Elizabeth II, Stevie Wonder, Leonardo DiCaprio, Penelope Cruz, Lady Gaga, and Shawn Mendes.
Each horoscope year also cycles through five elements. This year is the water. Those born under the Water Tiger year have a strong sense of family. They have wonderful interpersonal relationships. They want the best for all and work for it but can be brash about it. Water is the element that brings strong emotions.
The year of the tiger should bring about big change for all. Expect sudden disruptions in romance, career and home life. It will be a year of risk taking and adventure.
What I like most about the Chinese Horoscope is learning about the animals. I thought it would be fun to share some fun facts about tigers as well as a round-up of tiger crafts and more!
Fun Facts about Tigers
- Tigers are the largest of wild cats. The average weight of an adult tiger is 450 pounds.
- One swipe of a tiger’s paw can kill a person or at least break bones. Their claws can grow to be 12 cm long.
- Tigers are nocturnal and solitary.
- Tiger cubs are born blind. They only open their eyes after 1-2 weeks after birth. Many die young of hunger or cold since they can only follow their mothers by her scent. Some are eaten by male tigers to make their mother available for mating.
- Tigers love to swim and play in the water.
- The life expectancy of a tiger is 20-25 years.
- A group of tigers is called an ambush or streak.
- Tigers’ saliva is antiseptic.
- Tigers can sprint over 40 mph for short distances.
- Tigers have stripes on their fur and their skin. The stripes are unique like our fingerprints.
- Tiger urine smells like buttered popcorn.
- Tigers can imitate the sounds of other animals.
- Tigers cannot purr. They can roar though.
- Tigers have been around for around 2 million years. However, in the last 150 years their range has shrunk by 95%. They are now endangered.
- Tigers share all but 4.4% of their DNA with domestic cats.
- There are more tigers held privately as pets than there are in the wild.
- Less than 10% of their hunts end successfully. A large deer can feed a tiger for a week.
- Tigers can easily jump over 5 meters in length.
Sources:
- Alleah. Facts.net. “Tiger Facts.” (18 Jan 2022) https://facts.net/tiger-facts/
- Earth Rangers. “Top Ten Tiger Facts.” (29 Jul 2014) https://www.earthrangers.com/top-10/top-ten-tiger-facts/
- Gurung, Abhishek. Ranthambore National Park. “20 Facts You Probably Didn’t Knew About Tigers.” (08 Mar 2018) https://www.ranthamborenationalpark.com/blog/amazing-facts-about-tigers/
- Jiang, Fercility. China Highlights. “Year of the Tiger 2022.” (24 Jan 2022) https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/tiger.htm
- National Geographic Kids. “Tiger.” https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/tiger
- Science Kids. “Fun Tiger Facts for Kids.” https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/animals/tiger.html
- Wright, Jaime. PureWow. “We’re Entering the Year of the Tiger: Here’s What It Means.” (05, Jan 2022) https://www.purewow.com/wellness/year-of-the-tiger
- WWF. “Top 10 Facts About Tigers.” https://www.wwf.org.uk/learn/fascinating-facts/tigers
Tiger Crafts
Books with Tiger Stories & Crafts
