Based on a lunar calendar and its zodiac, Chinese New Year follows a periodic 12-year cycle of zodiac animal signs which are Rats, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. As for the order of the years of zodiac animals signs, there is a well-known folk tale called the Great Race.

It is said that once upon a time, Jade Emperor, the most powerful gods in Chinese tradition, invited all animals to join in the race, and years would be named according to the order that animals finished the race. There were plenty of animals participated in the race while only 12 of them successfully finished it.

Ranked as the third place after rat and ox, tiger was the bronze medalist in the Great Race. Recent and upcoming years of the Tiger are 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 and 2022. 2022 is the Year of the Tiger.

According to Chinese traditions, twelve zodiac animals are linked to certain characteristics and features, and attributes of the animals are thought to be reflective of the year and people born during it. Known as the king of all the beasts, tigers are courageous and active. People born in years of the Tiger are believed to be vigorous and ambitious, daring and courageous, self-confident and enthusiastic, willing to embrace challenges and adventures in life.

In the year of the Tiger, many Chinese people, especially children, will wear hats, shoes and cloths with tiger images on it for good luck.