In January, the Western world celebrates the start of a new year based on the Georgian calendar. The beginning of the new Chinese New Year is celebrated at the end of January and early February. The start of the year is defined by the lunisolar Chinese calendar —usually on the second new moon following the winter solstice — and is known as the Lunar Year in China and other East Asian civilizations.

Also read: Lunar New Year 2022: Festivities, preparations for ‘Year of the Tiger’

The date fluctuates each year, although it is always between January 20 and February 21 on the Gregorian calendar. The date for this year is February 1st (Tuesday). The Spring Festival, which takes place around the New Year, is a popular name for the events.

The Lantern Festival, also known as the Shangyuan Festival, is held on the 15th day of the first month in the lunisolar calendar and marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. This includes a stunning nighttime display of sky lanterns.

Also read: Lunar New Year: How the World ushered in the Year of the Ox amid COVID pandemic

The following are some fascinating facts regarding the Chinese Zodiac:

Based on Chinese mythology, each year has a corresponding animal from the Chinese zodiac, or sheng xiao. Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig are the animals in this category. From February 1, 2022, until January 21, 2023, the year of the Tiger is 2022. The Tiger years have been 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, and 2010 since the turn of the century.

Similarly, one element from Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth will be applied to the zodiac animal every 60 years. These elements are taken from the Five Elements Theory — or Wu Xing — and are based on the Heavenly Stems and Branches concept. It is about achieving balance and accepting the process, and it describes the link and interconnectedness between all elements.

Also read: In New York’s Chinatown, pandemic and stigma dulls Year of the Ox cheer

On a rotating basis, one of the five elements corresponds to each Tiger Year. The year of the Water Tiger is 2022, and the preceding year of the Water Tiger was 1962. Each element and animal is associated with particular personality qualities that are thought to be shared by people born in that year and element.

Water signs are kind, kind, competent, and smart, according to the zodiac. They have a sharp wit and a keen memory. Those born in Tiger years are said to have some of the animal’s characteristics. They are fearless, outspoken, and natural leaders who have a strong desire for attention as well as a desire for thrills and adventures. Those born in the year of the Water Tiger are considered to be particularly family-oriented and to have excellent interpersonal interactions.

Actor Tom Cruise, American fashion designer and businesswoman Kate Spade, singer and choreographer Paula Abdul, François-Henri Pinault, Founder of Adani Group Gautam Adani, and late astronaut Kalpana Chawla are among the famous Water Tigers.