In Chinese culture, there are 12 zodiac signs in a 12-year period, beginning Feb. 5ththis year is the “Year of the Pig.” The Year of the Pig has made an appearance in America lately, whether that be on Starbucks gift cards, clothing stores or a stuffed Build-A-Bear.
The Year of the Pig is expected to bring wealth, luck, and prosperity, which is why many people have taken an interest in it. Luxury fashion brand, Gucci, has even incorporated the pig into their style this year by teaming up with Disney to release the “three little pigs” line. Junior Fashion merchandising major, Halle Maddox, said, “Gucci designed a line inspired by the Chinese New Year to honor the Chinese culture and educate the world about the Year of the Pig. I don’t think this Chinese holiday has greatly influenced other American fashions, though.”
Although the trend of the pig has made its way into America, some Chinese people don’t view the symbol as highly significant.
“People take it less seriously these days, it’s just the symbol of the year. Especially for young people…It’s an old culture so we just follow that. For me at least, I just don’t take it that seriously,” President of Chinese Student and Scholars Association, Hank Du, said.
Freshman Hope Li from China, also has a similar feeling towards the Chinese New Year. She sees it as more of a tradition and doesn’t think of the zodiac symbol as highly important. For Li, the holiday is a fun seven-day period where she gets to relax, eat, and visit with family.
“It lasts seven days,” Li said. “We go to grandparents and other people’s houses and eat and celebrate. The only people that work are the people in the restaurants. Since it’s Chinese New Year I [just] don’t want to go to class this week.”
Harding University found its own way to celebrate the Chinese New Year by hosting a yearly Spring festival last Saturday, Feb. 9. Chinese students around campus were invited and encouraged to invite a guest to celebrate their culture and holiday. The event consisted of a talent show, games, and a banquet sponsored by Chinese restaurants around Searcy and Little Rock.
Although the year of the pig may just be a symbol, you can make of it what you will. With the mindset of this year bringing you wealth, luck, and prosperity, it might do exactly that.
