Chinese zodiacs emerged during the Zhan Guo period, picking up popularity in the North Zhou Dynasty. There are twelve zodiac animals, rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig, which are assigned to a cycle of twelve years. The year of 2022 was officially titled the Year of the Water Tiger on Feb. 1.

The Lunar New Year festival is a key aspect of East and Southeast Asian cultures. This festival celebrates the beginning of the new year tied to the lunisolar calendar. The celebration of the Lunar New Year Festival follows the dates of the moon phases. Along with a new year, the celebration acknowledges the transition between zodiac signs.

In Chinese astrology, each zodiac has a distinct connotation. Earth elements, referring to air, water, earth, and fire kindled a variation to each zodiac animal. These variations slightly impact the connotation of an animal. The water tiger is known as a symbol of strength, perseverance, and fortune. 

The water tiger having an assignment this year is purely former scheduling, but it holds significance to unfortunate events that have occurred in the past year.