In PART 1, we took a brief look at the “Golden Pig” theory and how some countries have seen significant shifts in family planning behavior. Continuing our exploration of this Golden theory, we now try to answer the question: Do all these Golden Pig obsessed expecting couples know what they’re in for?
A number of scholars studying everything from philosophy to folklore have fairly consistent opinions of the Golden Pig theory. Donga.com, the “Internet Journal for the 21st Century” writes that scholars refer to theory as a “preposterous rumor” proliferated as a “groundless exaggeration” of an otherwise financially-positive-forecasted year.
Probably the most substantiated argument is made by philosophy Professor Song In-chang of Dajeon University, “People born in the Year of the Pig tend to easily make a fortune, but at the same time, they also tend to have an unfortunate destiny of wandering and being unable to stay in one place throughout their lives. Since the theory of relating people’s destiny with time of birth places so much importance on incompatibility or win-win relationships among different elements and factors, there cannot be a year that guarantees nothing but luck to the people.”
Our own Fire Pig columnist agrees, claiming that the rumors are largely unsubstantiated by the Chinese Zodiac and are really only prominent in Korea. It isn’t clear why the Golden Pig has become such a phenomenon in Korea, but Donga.com writes that it’s partially due to improved internet/communication technology and the growing prominence of Chinese students in Korea. However, the more interesting (and controversial) theory is that the Korean government has conspired to intentionally leak and grow this rumor to turn around the country’s plummeting fertility rate.
In the end, if some Chinese Astrology experts suggest and that it could “possibly” guarantee financial success for your child, guess it can’t hurt, right? Well, sheer numbers will likely force stiffer academic and professional challenges for children born this year. Guess only time will tell….