2022 is the Year of the Tiger--Tiger Fun Facts & Craft Round-Up

 

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

1. Tigers are the largest of wild cats. The average weight of an adult tiger is 450 pounds.
2. 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.
3. Tigers are nocturnal and solitary.
4. 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.
5. Tigers love to swim and play in the water.
6. The life expectancy of a tiger is 20-25 years.
7. A group of tigers is called an ambush or streak.
8. Tigers’ saliva is antiseptic.
9. Tigers can sprint over 40 mph for short distances.
10. Tigers have stripes on their fur and their skin. The stripes are unique like our fingerprints.
11. Tiger urine smells like buttered popcorn.
12. Tigers can imitate the sounds of other animals.
13. Tigers cannot purr. They can roar though.
14. 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.
15. Tigers share all but 4.4% of their DNA with domestic cats.
16. There are more tigers held privately as pets than there are in the wild.
17. Less than 10% of their hunts end successfully. A large deer can feed a tiger for a week.
18. 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

For the year of the tiger, I wanted to make a new tiger craft. I turned to Paper Quilling Adorable Animals Chinese Style by Zhu Liqun Paper Arts Museum, which I reviewed previously.

I struggled with getting the head the correct size, but overall, I'm happy with it. Below I will share other craft books I have reviewed that have tiger crafts in them.  I also wanted to share other tiger crafts, especially ones that kids can do. Here are some for you to check out!

1) Cardboard Tube (Tiger) Cat from Crafts by Amanda

2) Cardboard Tube Tiger from Happy Toddler Playtime

3) Jumping Tiger Craft from Happy Toddler Playtime

4) Easy Paper Plate Tiger from Happy Toddler Playtime

5) Tiger Finger Puppets from Moms & Crafters

6) T Is for Tiger Craft from Artsy Craftsy Mom

7) Paper Bag Tiger Puppet from Happy Toddler Playtime

8) White Tiger Paper Bag Puppet

9) Simple Origami Tiger Face from Red Ted Art

10) Tiger Paper Plate Craft from Simple Everyday Mom

11) Tiger Collection Jar

12) Tiger Coloring Pages from Crafts Kids Love

13) Tiger Headband Craft from Simple Everyday Mom

Books with Tiger Stories & Crafts

Now to go with the tiger crafts it is always good to have some tiger stories as well as tiger facts. Here are some books that have stories of tigers, information about tigers and some more tiger crafts! All the links will take you to my reviews of these books!

1) Chinese Children's Favorite Stories "How the Fox Tricked the Tiger"

2) Chinese Folktales "Scaring the Tigers" Note: I reviewed an older version under the title of Chinese Fables

3) Can We Save the Tiger?

4) Thai Children's Favorite Stories "How the Tiger Got Its Stripes"

5) Korean Children's Favorite Stories "The Grateful Tiger"

6) Singapore Children's Favorite Stories "The Last Tiger"

7) Origami Bible Stories for Kids Noah's Ark has tigers!

8) Adorable Knitted Animals has a tiger to knit! See its back below.

9) Mini Knitted Safari has a miniature tiger to knit.

Happy Year of the Tiger! May yours be full of fun and good health!