ARE YOU AN OX?
THE CHINESE NEW YEAR CALENDAR
Chinese New Year isn't celebrated on the same day like New Year of the western world. This is because the Chinese use the lunar calendar – so New Year depends on the cycle of the moon and falls on a totally different day each year.
New Year is a special time in China. It is a time when the festive spirit is high and there are all kinds of celebrations going on. As has been the ancient tradition, the years are represented by animal signs associated with the change of time. There are twelve animals that repeat every twelve years and 2020 represents the first animal of the Chinese zodiac.
According to legend, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided on the arrival of each animal to his party. The Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived at the finish line, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox; Rat was triumphant as first arrival and Ox became second.
YEAR OF THE OX : 12 February 2021 – 31 January 2022
The year 2021 recognises the second ranked animal in the Chinese zodiac, Ox (or Cow), which in the Chinese culture symbolises diligence.
Elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water
Of the five Chinese elements, this year’s Ox is symbolised by metal; sensitive with strong self-awareness; persuasive with a ready compliment to brighten your day!
Characteristics
Oxes are known for diligence, dependability, strength and determination. Having an honest nature, Oxes are strongly loyal, have ideals and ambitions for life, and attach importance to family and work.
YEARS OF THE OX
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Strengths: Honest, industrious, patient, cautious, level-headed, strong-willed, persistent.
Weaknesses: Obstinate, inarticulate, prudish, distant.
Good match: Rat, Snake, Rooster.
Bad match: Tiger, Dragon, Horse, Sheep.
Lucky colours: White, Yellow, Green
Lucky numbers: 1, 4, and numbers containing 1 and 4, like 14 and 41
People born in the year of the Ox: Vincent Van Gogh, Adolf Hitler, Walt Disney, Margaret Thatcher, Barack Obama, Meg Ryan, Paul Newman, Jack Nicholson, George Clooney, Tori Spelling, Kiera Knightley