The City of Victoria has painted the 12 zodiac animals on the crosswalk at the intersection of Government and Fisgard streets to celebrate the Year of the Tiger.
In an email, a city spokesperson tells CHEK News the idea came through feedback in the Government Street North Project.
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“The project was envisioned with the help of members of the Chinatown business community,” the statement says.
“In addition to the underground infrastructure replacement and road safety improvements, the corridor includes landscaping and artistic banners, as well as the mural feature to celebrate and frame the Chinatown Gates.”
3 years ago I was in Washington, DC Chinatown & saw this crosswalk. I asked staff what it would take to do something similiar. Since work was being done on that road anyway, it could be done without much cost or effort as part of the planned work. So today it was unveiled! pic.twitter.com/sIaRUN22ZV
— Charlayne T-J (@Chartj88) June 26, 2022
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In Chinese culture, each year is represented by one of 12 animals, which are believed to influence people’s personalities and lives.
The 12 animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
We’re celebrating Year of the Tiger with a zodiac crosswalk marking the entrance to Chinatown. Check it out at the intersection of Government Street and Fisgard Street. pic.twitter.com/iz5VjyZbJ5
— City of Victoria (@CityOfVictoria) June 25, 2022
People born in the Year of the Tiger, which is this year, are believed to be natural leaders.
Laura Brougham
