It’s the Year of the Ox – but why?
February 12th this year is Chinese New Year. Over a billion people will celebrate the event around the world. This year, it’s the year of the Ox – one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. The other animals in the zodiac are the mouse, pig, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster and dog.
In Chinese astrology each zodiac year is not just associated with an animal sign, but also one of five elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth…the year of 2021 meets metal element, so 2021 is year of the metal Ox.
Chinese zodiac animals aren’t based on the stars but have arisen as a result of a Chinese fairy tale thought to have its roots in Taoism, an ancient Chinese religion. The exact story varies from place to place and according to story tellers, but at the core, it involves the 12 zodiac animals – rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig – and a race.
The story behind the Chinese Zodiac animals
One version of the legend says that the Jade Emperor, the ruler of Heaven and the Earth, decided to hold a race to pick the animals for the Chinese zodiac to celebrate his birthday. It’s also sometimes said that the Jade Emperor decided to hold the race because it wanted to find 12 guards to heaven, who later became the zodiac animals. In any case, all the animals in the world were invited to participate in the race and the first 12 to cross the heavenly river would be picked to be zodiac animals. At this point in time, the rat and the cat were supposedly friends, and, as the story goes, the rat was supposed to wake the cat bright and early so they could start the race together. On the day of the race however, the rat either forgot to – or in another version, deliberately didn’t – wake the cat, which is why the cat doesn’t feature on the Chinese zodiac.
It is also supposedly the reason why cats have been pursuing rats ever since. For most of the animals, the race itself wasn’t an issue – but the crossing of the heavenly river proved to be a great difficulty. The rat, for one, couldn’t make it across on his own and so asked the ox for help – and the ox gladly offered it, by allowing the rat to ride on its back. But as they approached the finishing line, the rat was said to have cheated by jumping off the ox and onto the other side, thereby becoming the first animal on the Chinese zodiac. The other animals crossed the line in order of ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig, and became the next 11 animals on the Chinese zodiac, each taking one year in the 12-year calendar.
In some legends, each animal is supposed to have used their special trait to help them cross the river, which is represented in the personality of the individual of that zodiac.
Because it is a national holiday in Indonesia, it is widely celebrated in areas with a majority Indonesian-Chinese citizens. Not only there, but it is also celebrated in numerous different parts of Indonesian like in malls. You will be able to witness an abundance of red, gold, fruits, flowers and majestic barongsai everywhere.
According to the Chinese Zodiac 2021 will be the year of the metal ox who is known to be diligent, dependable, strong and determined.
The Ox
‘The Great Race’ was meant to portray the personalities of each Chinese zodiac. Long, long ago, there was no Chinese zodiac. The Jade Emperor wanted to select 12 animals to be his guards. He sent an immortal being into man’s world to spread the message that the earlier one went through the Heavenly Gate, the better the rank one would have.
The next day, animals set off towards the Heavenly Gate. Rat got up very early. On his way to the gate, he encountered a river. He had to stop there, owing to the swift current. After waiting a long time, Rat noticed Ox about to cross the river and swiftly jumped into Ox’s ear. The diligent Ox did not mind at all and simply continued. After crossing the river, he raced towards the palace of the Jade Emperor. Suddenly, Rat jumped out of Ox’s ear and dashed to the feet of the Emperor. Rat won first place and Ox was second.
According to the Chinese Zodiac, oxen are honest and earnest. They are low key and never look for praise or to be the center of attention. This often hides their talent, but they’ll gain recognition through their hard work.
They believe that everyone should do what’s asked for them and stay within their bounds. Though they are kind, it’s difficult for them to understand persuasion using pathos. Rarely losing your temper, they think logically and make great leaders.
Strengths:
Honest, industrious, patient, cautious, level-headed, strong-willed, persistent
Weaknesses:
Obstinate, inarticulate, prudish, distant
Ox in 2021
The year of a person’s birth sign, known as Ben Ming Nian, is believed to be unlucky because of its conflict with Tai Sui. Therefore, 2021 will be a turbulent year for the Ox. You may encounter unexpected challenges, especially in your career and studies, which can leave you feeling stressed out, distracted, and emotional.
The heavenly stem Xin of 2021 belongs to Metal, which will help the Ox to some extent. The key to overcoming any potential bad luck is to strengthen your morale.
Use this time to cultivate your relationships. With the support of your family and friends, you will likely manage to navigate any difficulties and gain a deeper appreciation for what you have.
Compatibility
Most compatible with Ox: Rat, Snake, Rooster
Rat’s fixed Earthly Branch is water, while Ox is earth. They have complementing personalities and hold the same goals in life.
Snake and Rooster fit Ox nicely as well. Not only will Snakes give warmth and romance, they offer help and support in work too. Honest and loyal, they can also be attracted to the Rooster’s soft and loving heart.
Least compatible with Ox: Goat, Horse, Dog
The Earthly Branches of Goat and Ox clash strongly. They can tolerate each other’s differences, but there will always be tension.
Horses have a free and wild spirit, and may not have a serious attitude toward life. This is the opposite of an Ox’s personality. With Dogs, it’s hard to find common ground.
Lucky things for Oxen
- Colors: blue, yellow, green
- Numbers: 1, 4
- Flowers: lily of the valley and lucky bamboo
- Directions of auspiciousness: East, Southeast
- Directions of wealth: Northwest
- Directions of love: South
Unlucky things
- Colors: red, brown
- Numbers: 3, 6
A Sneak Peek Of What Year 2020 Will Be Like For You:
Find your year of birth to discover your Chinese zodiac animal sign – it’s worth double checking though, as Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year so, depending on the time of the year you were born, you might be a different zodiac.
- 🐭 Rat–1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
The rat Chinese sign says that you will get the opportunities to achieve your goals and your previous work will help you. This year will be enjoyable for you and you will be spending good time with your family and friends. Apart from it, you might struggle in work, but it is suggested to stay calm and focused. Year 2021 can also be the year of the rat.
- 🐮 Ox– 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925
As of now, single indigenous people will get a chance to find the love of their lives. Career-oriented people will be benefited financially. They need to put efforts and determination.
- 🐯 Tiger– 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
The Chinese horoscope 2021 of the Tiger indicates that during 2021, the natives registered under this sign may have to face some difficulties. But that doesn’t mean you’re going to stay low all year long, though, according to Chinese zodiac sign.
- 🐰 Rabbit– 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
It is suggested that the rabbit sign people be careful with financial, property and personal issues. It is also recommended that take proper health and fitness care in year 2021.
- 🐲 Dragon– 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Natives may come to terms with some mixed outcomes during this year, according to Dragon Chinese 2021. It will be the year 2021 when the stars are not entirely aligned in favor of you, and you will find it hard to achieve your goals.
- 🐍 Snake– 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
In the year 2021, you will be blessed with a healthy financial life, according to the Chinese snake of 2021. The most secure work prospects and even some freelance choices that can add a little more to their current level of income can be found for those who are enrolled in a job.
- 🐴 Horse– 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Centered on Feng Shui Astrology, the 2021 horse zodiac sign suggests that the 2021 year will bring some improvements to their pattern of life. You will get many challenges. You need to be focused and alert. You will get stuff this year only after tons of war, so you should be up to your fighting spirit.
- 🐐 Goat– 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
The Chinese Horoscope 2021 of the Sheep predicts that your attention will be on achieving monetary soundness and personal issues. Opportunities will be given to you during the year to incorporate successful enhancements and to make tremendous changes in every area of life.
- 🐵 Monkey– 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028c
Several auspicious stars will be guarded by these natives. This year also brings good luck for the monkeys in abundance, as per Chinese astrology. Therefore, they are encouraged to go and exploit opportunities as they occur.
- 🐔 Rooster– 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
The natives of the rooster will have a year full of adjustments and are encouraged to welcome these changes in their lifestyle with an open heart. They will encounter good blooming times as well as some low tides in various realms of their lives.
- 🐶 Dog– 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
For dog natives, the year 2021 will give rise to several conflicts. Situation might go against you and you need to be careful while facing problems. You need to stay polite an observant.
- 🐷 Pig – 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
According to the 2021 zodiac predictions for pig shows nothing problematic in terms of health. Perhaps you are not going to hit the jackpot in terms of career or money, but as far as health is concerned, you have nothing to worry about.
