Happy Lunar New Year! Here are some interesting facts about the Ox as 2021 is The Year of the Ox.
The Ox is the second of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Ox was about to be the first to arrive, but Rat tricked Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox. Thus, Ox became the second animal.
The Ox is also associated with the Earthly Branch (地支 / dì zhī) Chǒu (丑) and the hours 1–3 in the morning. In the terms of yin and yang (阴阳 / yīn yáng), the Ox is Yang.
Oxen are the hard workers in the background, intelligent and reliable, but never demanding praise.
In Chinese culture, the Ox is a valued animal. Because of its role in agriculture, positive characteristics, such as being hardworking and honest, are attributed to it.
Paired with the Celestial Stems (天干 / Tiān gān), there is a 60-year calendrical cycle. Although chǒu is associated with earth, the years also cycle through the five elements of nature (五行 / wǔ xíng).
Personality and Characteristics
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.
Men born in the Ox year are reliable and trustworthy. They put their entire heart into everything they do. They feel great responsibility towards their family as well. However, due to their confidence (almost arrogance), they don’t allow anyone to go against their rules. They hold your children to high expectations, even though it might be unrealistic.
Women born in the Ox year are calm and gentle. They will never surrender to fate and rarely think of choosing an alternative. This no doubt leads to a life of struggles. But no matter what, they will walk down the road they choose until the end. Despite this stubbornness, they think and react quickly.
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
Oxen in the Year of the Ox (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.
Relationship
Oxen may find it difficult to further improve the relationship with your partner this year. Hiccups in your relationship may affect your mental state, and certain events may seem out of your control. Your partner might stray or harbor selfish ambitions during this time. Be patient. These hardships will pass in time. Though your road may be rocky, love and kindness will always bring you back together. Unfortunately, the single Ox will not have much luck in love this year. Between their traditionally passive personalities and this year’s bad luck, this year will be a disappointing one for romance. Consider taking this year to focus on learning more about yourself. Figure out what you want in love and what you can bring to a relationship. Love will come eventually, but this year may not be the right time.
Health
Be careful with your health this year. In Ben Ming Nian, the Ox’s fortunes will become precarious. You will be more prone to catching minor infections this year, so make it a point to schedule routine checkups. Tai Sui will throw many curve balls at you this year, and these may cause you stress and anxiety. Ailments can lead to more serious problems if left untreated, so rest whenever you find the time to do so. Try to exercise more often, and stay away from risky activities whenever possible.
Lifestyle
Chinese astrology predicts that this year will start on a relative low note for the Ox. Ben Ming Nian’s conflict with Tai Sui will bring significant instability to your fortunes, and you can easily encounter something unexpected if you act rashly. This should not prevent you from working on personal development and living your best life, however. If you ever get into trouble, do your best to adapt to the situation. With some hard work and determination, you’ll find your way out again. Stay calm, and be patient with yourself—the wheel of fortune will turn in your favor soon enough.
Find more about the holiday and when certain events are suppose to happen and how you can participate and understand parts of the holiday at 🧧Chinese New Year's homepage.🧧
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