2010 Tet Celebration: The Year of the Tiger

On Sunday, February 14, 2010 double dip to celebrate Valentine’s Day and Lunar New Year. Be a romantic tiger (or tigress) as you bid a fond farewell to the Year of the Ox and great the Year of the Tiger. I once worked with a tiger and boy, did he roar sometimes.  Not fun. In case you’re wondering if you know any tigers (or if you're one!), here are tips for identifying tigers and dealing with their strong personalities:

Tiger birth years:  

1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 or 2010

If you were born in late January or early February, you’re on the cusp and should consult the lunar zodiac calendar for your birth year. If you are Asian, your parents probably know what sign you are and can supplement with details. For example, my mom vividly remembers the day I was born as her little monkey on February 9, 1969. Lotsa pain was involved. That date was at the tail end of the year of the monkey (curious and smart trouble makers) and beginning of the year of the rooster (fashion conscious good cooks). I have a little bit of both in me, though it’s hard to think of a simian-like chicken.

Tigers characteristics:
One of the most dynamic signs in the Chinese zodiac, the Tiger is "King of the Jungle,” admired for its vivid stripes that symbolize the balanced between yin and yang. Born leaders, Tigers can be stubborn if they realize they’re not in charge. They tend to be selfish but are overall very generous. Tigers are always on alert and intelligent, as well as charming and well-liked. Money and power doesn’t usually motivate them.

Tigers are a force of nature: dependable yet unpredictable and fearless but sweet, tender and loving too. They can seem like quiet homebodies but suddenly change course, pack up, and head to some far-flung place. For that reason, Tigers can seem irresponsible and reckless. Some say that that perception is because there aren’t many other signs that can keep up with the Tiger’s quick thinking, stamina and dynamo spirit.

With regard to family, Tigers are very protective, willing to strike out at any threat to home or children. In business and personal relationships, a Tiger’s charismatic authority often commands respect.

However, Tigers can have too much attitude to the point where they think they know what's best for everyone. They want to be in charge and get pissy, perhaps even vengeful, if they don’t get their way. If you’re in such a situation with a Tiger, try standing up to him or her. You may have to wage a little battle, but you’ll earn the Tiger’s respect at the end of the day. Tigers can never stay angry for long, so if you maintaining a tenacity of hope (not a tenacity of nope), peace will reign again.

Famous Tigers
After reading the above tiger traits, compare and contrast what you know or think of these people:

Emily Bronte, Sheryl Crow, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Dickinson, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jay Leno, Karl Marx, Marilyn Monroe, Marco Polo, Beatrix Potter, Queen Elizabeth II, Jon Stewart

(Note: Tiger Woods was born in December 1975.  He missed the Year of the Tiger by a long shot.)

Got any tiger in you? Know of any tigers? How spot on are the Tiger personality traits above?

Comments

[Gastronomer]

Hey Andrea, I was born on February 9 too! Happy early birthday! Roarrrr!

[Andrea Nguyen]

Cathy -- that is a major coincidence. Woohoo! Cheers to a great year ahead!

[Robyn]

Hmm, I'm a tiger but 'charismatic authority' and 'force of nature' are the last descriptives I'd apply to myself. Dave might give a nod to 'They want to be in and get pissy' though.
Xin Nian Kuai Le, Andrea!

[Andrea Nguyen]

Robyn -- You're a tiger? It's all relative, pengyou. Dave might agree that you're a force to be reckoned with. Xin Nian Kuai Le, Chuc Mung Nam Moi!!

[Jessica Lee Binder]

I'm a monkey too! My brother is Feb 8th so he's dog/pig....maybe he should hunt truffles?

[Andrea Nguyen]

Jessica -- Hoo hoo hoo, monkeys unite. We're all apes at the end of the day. And you're bro is an Aquarius dog/pig so I'd bring plenty of liquids along for those truffle hunting forays.

[E cig]

Im the year of the ox. I wish i was a tiger.

[Trish]

I'm a tiger, but I'd like to think it's tempered by the sweet homebody-ness of my cancerian birthday in July. My husband may disagree...

[Beaulotus]

My mom's a Tiger and boy, has she a short and bad temper. But she's charming and generous alright.

[Generic Viagra]

Tigers are among the most recognisable and popular of the world's charismatic megafauna. They have featured prominently in ancient mythology and folklore, and continue to be depicted in modern films and literature.

[Air Jordan]

The worst kind of love is the one when you want someone but you know you can’t have them. Best wishes for you.