Why it seems that the Year of the golden Pig is more important than the others?

Question

Why it seems that the Year of the golden Pig is more important than the others? Like for example, 2002 was the year of the golden Horse but I didn't hear much commotion about it. Also why are those the "Golden" years?

Answer 1

Chinese Astrology attributes the 5 elements into each of the 12 animal signs... namely fire, water, wood, earth and gold/metal 60 possible combinations in all.

The pig has always been seen as a sign/source of wealth, coz in old china almost everyone can eat chicken, but only the rich and prosperous are able to have served a whole Roasted Pig at their dining table, or at religious ritual offerings to the gods. It is more or less a cultural status symbol of " Hey, I am doing pretty well"

Also, the natural in born element of the Pig year is water ... water in chinese culture is associated with wealth and when coupled with a metal/gold year, it is believed from Metal/Gold springs forth Water or wealth(according to the 5 elements concept)... so in Gold-Pig year many hope to catch some of the "spring forth" results of water rising or wealth. Therefore, those elements are in harmony

Horse on the other hand is in born with strong Fire element, and Fire melts Metal, so the combo is considered less favorable.