Lunar New Year Welcomes the Year of the Tiger for 2022

It is the Year of the Tiger for 2022 – are we ready for a roaring reset after the gloom and doom of 2020 and 2021? February 1, 2022 is the beginning of the Year of the Tiger – what’s in store for us?

You are a Tiger if you were born in 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986 and 1998. The Tiger is the third animal of the Chinese Zodiac and according to legend 2,000 years ago, the Jade Emperor challenged all the animals in the kingdom to a “Great Race.” Whoever arrived at his palace first, would win his favor.

The tiger was so confident that no one could compete with its speed and vigor for the celestial race that would decide the order of the zodiac. However, when the tiger climbed out of the river, it was informed that the rat placed first for its cunning and ox the workhorse placed second. This left the king of the jungle having to settle for third place.

Tigers are very competitive by nature and known for their courage, passion, ambition and sense of adventure. They like to try new things and take risks. But they also have a rebellious and impulsive side, which leads them to dangerous situations. 

They are generous to a fault to their family and friends and willing to stand up and protect them. Best advice for Tigers: know when to walk away from conflict. 

Tigers hate clutter and mess, as it creates stagnant energy and blocks opportunities from coming in. Feng shui experts are advising us to start at home. Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art of bringing positiveness and harmony to your living space. Water is a favored element for Tigers – so make sure you see your pool or hear water or the wind from the center of the house.

As you walk into your home or office, scan all corners, declutter, and remove dead plants and damaged items. Clean windows and allow sunshine and positive energy in. Anything that hinders movement in your house, such as placement of chairs, tables will need to be repositioned. Earth colors are good energy colors; include plants, fish and pets to your living space.

What’s orange, black with stripes all over. Tigers’ iconic colors and motif are everywhere in the fashion industry for 2022. Fashion is one way people can express their inner tiger.

And what do tigers and the U.S. Postal Service have in common? Tiger commemorative stamps were issued for a conservation cause. On September 20, 2011, the USPS started selling stamps featuring a first-class beautiful Amur tiger cub. A limited supply of the tiger stamp is still available online through the USPS. This is called the “Save the Vanishing Species Stamp” which gave purchasers the opportunity to contribute to the Multinational Species Conservation Fund (MSCF) supporting programs that protect imperiled tigers, rhinos, great apes, turtles, tortoises and elephants. According to the USPS, the Amur Tiger stamp has raised $6.1 million by contributing to the on-the-ground conservation programs overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife Without Borders.

Closer to home Naples Zoo has established the Eko Tiger Conservation Fund, where 100% of the funds received will go to helping save tigers in Malaysia through the efforts of the Wildlife Conservation Society, an organization that Naples Zoo has supported for many years. You can donate online at:  www.napleszoo.org/donate with the word TIGER in the comment section or send a check payable to “Naples Zoo” mailed to Naples Zoo, Eko Tiger, 1590 Goodlette Road north, Naples Florida, 34102-5260.

The Rat (2020) is considered an unstable zodiac symbol. Trauma, solitude, suffering was its signature. The Year of the Ox (2021) was about hunkering down and it took courage to find the diamond in the rough.

So, what’s in store for the Year of the Tiger? The Year of the Tiger is still a risk taking and challenging year, but it is about making positive changes and long-term plans - our enthusiasm for life is slowly coming back!