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Why is the tiger important in the Chinese calendar?

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A Bengal tiger with orange fur and black stripes lies on the ground, facing forward with its front legs crossed. — tiger The forests of West Bengal are inhabited by the endangered Bengal tiger (*Panthera tigris tigris*).

In the Chinese calendar, the tiger is significant as one of the 12 animals that comprise the Chinese zodiac. According to foundational legend, the tiger earned its place in the 12-year cycle by finishing third in a great race initiated by the Jade Emperor or the Buddha to determine the order of the zodiac animals.123

The tiger is deeply embedded in cultural lore, where it is often viewed as a symbol of strength and ferocity. Within the context of the zodiac, every 12th year is designated as the Year of the Tiger. It is a common belief that children born during this year are considered especially lucky and powerful. Beyond the calendar, the tiger has inspired awe for millennia, leading to its frequent portrayal in Asian art and its historical, though scientifically unsupported, use in traditional medicine and as a source of talismans.45