Opinion | Taking inspiration from the wild boar in the Year of the Pig

We think of pigs as being intelligent, although lazy. As the Lunar New Year approaches, it is worth remembering it is the wild boar, not the domesticated pig, which was traditionally considered as part of celebrations.

The boar is a markedly different animal. It is resourceful and determined, traits well know by anyone who has come into contact with the creatures in areas of Hong Kong where civilisation has encroached on their natural habitat.

It is perhaps this resilience that Chinese should reflect upon as they mark another year amid geopolitical turmoil sown by US President Donald Trump’s efforts to curtail China’s rise.

The wild boar has a fighting nature. They can be gentle, but when threatened can also react ferociously. Their sharp tusks are used to fight during mating season, and can become a dangerous weapon to those encroaching on their turf.

The male wild boar is not to be trifled with. It can grow up to 200kg in weight, run at 50km/h and shift a heavy tree trunk with its snout. Hunters for centuries past feared boars even more than bears or tigers.

For followers of the Chinese zodiac, such characteristics make the upcoming year special. Feng shui masters speak sagely of the coming months being ones of “wisdom”, “moving” or “changing”, and “uncertainty”.