Well, howdy there, y’all! Let’s gab a bit about this here 1899 Chinese zodiac thing. I ain’t no scholar, mind you, just an old woman who’s seen a thing or two. But I’ll tell ya what I know, simple and plain.
Now, they say back in 1899, it was the year of the Pig. Not just any pig, mind you, an Earth Pig, they called it. Heard tell it’s got somethin’ to do with that there moon calendar. See, their New Year ain’t fixed like ours, it jumps around like a flea on a hot skillet.

So, if you was born ‘tween February 3rd, 1899 and January 31st, 1900, that means you’re one of them Earth Pigs. What’s that mean? Well, I reckon it means you’re kinda like the ground, steady and dependable. You ain’t flyin’ off the handle, you’re more the type to stick around and get things done.
I heard some folks sayin’ that the women born under the Water Pig sign, well, they’re gentle and kind-hearted. They look after their fellas and ain’t afraid to step up when the goin’ gets tough. Sounds like good wives to me! Always thinkin’ ‘bout their sweethearts.
- Rat: (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020) Them rats, they’re clever little critters, always thinkin’ and plannin’.
- Ox: Strong as an ox, that’s what they say. Dependable folks, them Oxen. They remind me of hard workin’ folks on the farm.
- Tiger: Fierce and brave, like a tiger in the jungle. Don’t mess with them!
- Rabbit: Gentle and kind, like a little bunny rabbit. Sweet as pie, most of ‘em.
- Dragon: Powerful and lucky, them Dragons. Big and bold, like somethin’ outta a fairy tale. Like those dragons in those fancy parades they have.
- Snake: Wise and mysterious, like a snake in the grass. Can’t always tell what they’re thinkin’.
- Horse: Free-spirited and energetic, like a wild horse runnin’ through the fields. Always on the go.
- Goat: Peaceful and artistic, them Goats. Got a good eye for pretty things.
- Monkey: Playful and clever, like a monkey in a tree. Always up to somethin’.
- Rooster: Proud and confident, like a rooster crowin’ at dawn. Let’s ya know when they have somethin’ to say.
- Dog: Loyal and honest, like a good ol’ dog. Always there for ya.
- Pig: Kind and generous, like that there Earth Pig from 1899. Good folks to have around.
Now, this here Chinese zodiac thing, it goes in a cycle, see? Twelve years it takes, and each year’s got its own critter. This year, 2024, they tell me it’s the Dragon’s turn. So, if a little tyke’s born this year, he’s a Dragon, plain and simple.
I ain’t sure how they figure it all out, with the moon and all that. But it’s been goin’ on for ages, they say. Even back in 1889, they was talkin’ ’bout the Year of the Ox. So, it’s been around longer than I have, that’s for sure!
Finding your Chinese zodiac sign ain’t too hard, once you get the hang of it. You just gotta find your birth year on that there calendar. But remember, it ain’t like our calendar, it’s all tied to the moon. And the new year changes every year! It’s more complicated than plantin’ corn, I tell ya!
So, if you’re lookin’ to figure out what your animal is, or what it all means, there’s plenty of places you can look. They got books and websites and all sorts of things. Me? I just listen to the old stories and try to make sense of it all.

But one thing I do know, whether you’re a Pig or a Dragon or a Rat, it don’t really matter all that much. What matters is how you treat folks and how you live your life. That’s the real measure of a person, not some animal on a calendar. But it’s fun to think about, ain’t it? Makes ya feel like you’re part of somethin’ bigger than yourself.
Anyway, that’s all I got to say about this here 1899 Chinese zodiac. Hope it made some sense to ya. If not, well, don’t worry about it too much. Just go on livin’ your life and bein’ a good person. That’s the best any of us can do.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I got some chores to do. Them chickens ain’t gonna feed themselves, you know!