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1971 Chinese zodiac: year of the Metal Pig

1971 was the year of the Metal Pig in the Chinese zodiac. It began on 27 January 1971 and ended on 14 February 1972.

Quick answer

1971 is the year of the Metal Pig (Yin). The Chinese year of the Pig ran from 27 January 1971 to 14 February 1972, so anyone born between those dates is a Metal Pig. Babies born in 1971 before 27 January 1971 belong to the Metal Dog of 1970.

SignMetal Pig
Yin / YangYin
Year starts27 January 1971
Year ends14 February 1972
Best matchesRabbit, Goat
Element colourwhite and gold

1971 Metal Pig personality

People born in the year of the Pig are generous, easy-going and sincere. Their strengths are kindness, patience and enjoyment of life; their watch-outs are naivety and indulgence.

The Metal element adds determination, strength and self-discipline, so the Metal Pig of 1971 combines the Pig's nature with metal qualities. Yin years are traditionally seen as receptive and reflective.

Careers that suit the Pig: hospitality, food, the arts, charity, retail.

Born in January or February 1971?

The Chinese year does not start on 1 January. In 1971, Chinese New Year fell on 27 January 1971.

  • Born 27 January 1971 or later in 1971: Metal Pig.
  • Born 1 January – 26 January 1971: Metal Dog (1970 sign).

Pig compatibility

MatchSigns
Best (same triangle)Rabbit, Goat
Secret friendTiger
Traditional clashSnake

Other Pig years

1935, 1947, 1959, 1983, 1995, 2007. The Metal Pig itself returns in 2031.

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Frequently asked questions

What Chinese zodiac is 1971?

The Metal Pig, for births from 27 January 1971 to 14 February 1972.

What if I was born in January or early February 1971?

If you were born before 27 January 1971, your sign is the Metal Dog of 1970, because the Chinese year had not yet changed.

What element is 1971 in the Chinese zodiac?

Metal (Yin). Metal is linked with determination, strength and self-discipline; its colour is white and gold.

Which signs are compatible with the Pig?

Best matches are the Rabbit and Goat, plus the Tiger as a "secret friend". The traditional clash is with the Snake.

When is the next Metal Pig year?

2031. The same animal and element combination returns every 60 years.

How old is someone born in 1971 in 2026?

They turn 55 during 2026.

Source and method

Chinese New Year dates (China Standard Time) were cross-checked against two independent lunar-calendar tables and published listings. Animals and elements follow the traditional 60-year (sexagenary) cycle.

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