Is 'The Year of the Pig' Bad News for Brides?

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

The Year of the Dog will bow-wow out today as the Year of the Pig oinks it's way in.

Feb 4 marks the changes of the animal guards in Chinese Astrology, on the solar calendar. It’s February 18 on the lunar calendar, which is also the day that the Chinese New Year is celebrated.

There are twelve animals on the Chinese Zodiac in all and each year heralds in a different animal and energy that is considered to have its auspicious as well as unlucky aspects.

Chinese mothers do not want their children to tie the knot this year. That’s why 2006 brought a mad dash to the altar by couples seeking a marital blessing during of the auspicious Year of the Dog. Many believe this year is not so great – for marriage anyway.

The Year of the Pig – which follows the Year of the Dog every 12 years – is also known as “Year of the Widow.” Not a good time to wed, according to many Buddhists and those who follow the Chinese fortune telling calendar.

Will this mean couples who believe in astrology and the associated Chinese folk lore will stay clear of the wedding altar this year? Nah! Probably not. Seems wedding banquets are still booked like crazy for 2007 and brides are still getting hitched. No matter what, people will still find their way down the aisle.

This Year of not just any pig ... it’s the Year of the Fire Pig. The Korean culture calls it the “Golden Pig” and sees this year as auspicious and lucky, possibly a good time to marry and a good time to have children.

The Year of the Pig may bode well for Las Vegas, as some see it as a year of abundant good fortune. While not everyone sees this as a great year to get hitched, In some quarters, this is considered a very lucky year.

Since the pig is considered playful, honest, forthright and one who enjoys instant gratification and all life has to offer, it might could be a fun year, a time to get your sense of humor back.

If you wer born in the Year of the Pig you share that common bond with David Letterman, Snoop Dog, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tracey Ullman and Alfred Hitchcock. Find out more about how your love life is affected by the Year of the Pig at: www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/Pig.htm

The Western School of Feng Shui released an article by Yasha Jampolsky today called Welcome to the Year of the Yin Fire Pig and it suggests there are good things in store.

“This is bound to be a very good year for many, with opportunities galore,” says Jampolsky. “As long as you don't get too carried away with the spirit of excitement, you can share in the generous festivities and money luck that the Fire Pig is famous for!”

He also says this is a good year for being charitable. “The message of the Fire Pig year will be heard loud and clear: We live in an abundant world! Through focused awareness and deliberate conscious effort we can eliminate in large the suffering of many."

Looking to do some good in the world, or include charitable giving in your wedding, visit the IDoFoundation.org.

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway is a leading interfaith and non-denominational wedding officiant. She creates unique ceremonies for couples of all backgrounds and faiths, and is also widely recognized as a bridal stress expert and columnist. She is author of WEDDING GODDESS: A Divine Guide To Transforming Wedding Stress into Wedding Bliss (Perigee Books, May 2005). Visit Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway at www.WeddingGoddessWisdom.com.

Posted February 4, 2007 9:20 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Email This