There are several legends and stories about the animals chosen to make up the Chinese astrological system. One of these legends refers to the intention of the Jade Emperor to know the animals that inhabited the Earth. He decided that some of them should be brought before him. To facilitate the selection, the Emperor defined two criteria: they would have to be valuable animals for Man or be one of the first to arrive at the Celestial Palace on the day of the election of the animals.
In ancient times, a high Chinese dignitary had no children. At an advanced age, he was concerned about the continuity of his name and whom to leave his fortune. Finally, at age 60, she had a son. Grateful, he celebrated his birth and invited seers, who told him that his son would have a promising future.
The boy grew up selfish and spoiled by his parents. When his father passed away and became the owner of his entire fortune, he sold it cheaply to maintain his opulent lifestyle. When the money ran out, he died in poverty. Upon reaching hell, he complained to the Jade Emperor of his misfortune and the injustice he had suffered in life, considering how he died.
After asking some questions, the Emperor concluded that, although the man was born in a golden cradle and with all the conditions to prosper, he had wasted his life. He decided to punish him, ordering him to be reborn as a pig that would "feed on straw." However, the celestial officer misinterpreted the Emperor's directions and understood that the Pig would turn into an animal sign. Thus, the man was reborn as a pig, and the animal became the last sign of the Chinese Horoscope.
In the Chinese Astrological system, each sign of the Zodiac is associated with one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. The characteristics of a person's personality are influenced by various influences, including the sign and element of the year of birth. For example, a Wood Pig appears once in the 60-year cycle. Thus, there are five types of Pigs, each with its own characteristics: