In the East, the tiger symbolizes power, passion, and boldness. People born in the Year of the Tiger are rebellious, attention-seeking, and hard to figure out. People respect and fear them just as they would a real tiger. People born in the Year of the Tiger can keep their families away from three major disasters: fire, thieves, and ghosts. If others can get used to the energetic and lively personality of those born in the Year of the Tiger, then you will be surrounded by good luck. The vitality and optimism of people born in the Year of the Tiger are infectious; they can evoke various emotions in people's hearts, except for indifference. In short, the attractive people born in the Year of the Tiger will become the center of attention.
The tiger is the king of the mountains and the ruler of all beasts. People love tigers but also fear them. Therefore, people regard tigers as fierce and brutal animals. There are many legends about killing tigers in folk tales, and there have been many brave heroes who hunted, killed, or shot tigers. From Li Guang, the general of the Han Dynasty, who shot a tiger into a stone, to Li Kui, the Black Whirlwind, who killed a tiger to save his mother, and Wu Song, the Traveler, who fought a tiger on Jingyang Mountain... these stories today seem to go against the current of protecting the ecological environment and saving the endangered tigers, even being illegal. However, from the historical context and the social psychology behind these stories, they reflect the human desire to protect themselves from tiger threats. This psychological aspect is also reflected in folk tales or proverbs. Therefore, although tigers are majestic and fierce, there are also heroic and brave warriors who are not afraid of the tiger's ferocity. They have the courage and boldness to "kill tigers," linking "tigers" with certain powers or evils, and confronting them with bravery. Here, the "tiger" is no longer the natural tiger but a symbol of powerful evil forces. There are many proverbs that embody this psychological or ideological wish. For example: "A dragon in shallow water is mocked by small shrimp, a tiger in a plain is bullied by dogs"; "A tiger's tail tied with a broomstick means losing all dignity"; "A tiger falls into a pit, with nowhere to run"... This shows that "tigers" can be conquered and are not to be feared. It also indicates that the fierce and cruel "tigers," as symbols of certain powers or authorities, may eventually meet their end, just like any other creature. The meaning or main idea of these proverbs is a valuable lesson for people born in the Year of the Tiger.
Although the West considers the "lion" the king of all beasts, in ancient China, the "tiger" was the king of all beasts! Chinese people have always regarded tigers as mysterious and inviolable creatures, truly fearing them. When people mention tigers, their expressions change; when they see tigers, they might even be scared to lose their souls. Tigers are truly the embodiment of strength, bravery, danger, and fighting spirit.
The riddle is also a type of colloquial expression, usually created and commonly used by the masses, characterized by humor, wit, simplicity, and imagery. A riddle generally consists of two parts: the first part is a metaphorical phrase or a hidden meaning, while the second part reveals its true meaning, explaining or extending the first part. Usually, only the first part is spoken, and the second part is omitted intentionally, creating a pause for the listener to ponder, hence it is also called "riddle" or "hidden language." Riddles can be divided into two types: one based on homophones, and another based on metaphors. Riddles related to tigers in various ethnic languages are also rich and interesting. If we classify the riddles related to tigers according to their content, they can be divided into several categories:
Those with special symbolic meanings, metaphorical meanings, or extended meanings: A tiger lying in the mountain: pretending to be dead; A tiger chasing a cat up a tree: thanks to keeping an option; A tiger's den producing a kitten: each generation worse than the last; A tiger entering a temple: old corruption (tiger worship); A tiger pulling out teeth from the mouth: risky, with more dangers than safety.
Those expressing the characteristics of the tiger's personality, such as bravery, majesty, strength, courage, and energy: A tiger falling over: still has a straight back; A tiger dancing: showing fangs and claws; A tiger yawning: having big words; A tiger walking on the street: everyone fears it; A tiger with wings: amazing.
Those expressing the ecological habits of the tiger: A tiger walking: no need for company, going alone; A tiger doesn't eat vegetables: likes to bite hard bones; A tiger eating bones: has a good mouth; A tiger entering a cave: looking ahead but not behind; A tiger catching crickets: clumsy and awkward.
Those expressing the tiger's fierceness and brutality: A tiger eating a lamb: won't spit out the bone; A tiger's son: don't look at him (it) small; A tiger fighting: no one dares to intervene, no way to intervene; A tiger with a scallion in its nose: fierce appearance (look).
Those depicting the tiger as a beast with a human face, pretending to be human: A tiger becoming a monk: a human face with a beast heart; A tiger carrying a cross: pretending to be Jesus; A tiger wearing a skin: pretending to be a sheep; A tiger wearing a prayer bead: pretending to be a living Buddha (Tibetan).
