Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Yin-yang: Yin
Symbolic qualities
- determined
- hard-working
- reliable
- calm
The Ox is the symbol of steady effort and keeping one's word. It moves step by step and does not give up easily. Its shadow side is stiffening when flexibility is needed.
The inward, receptive, nurturing side. In yin years the element is expressed in a calmer, deeper way.
Cultural note
In an agrarian society the ox is the animal that ploughs the land and stands for labour. In the race tale it carried the rat and came second, which strengthens its image of generosity and patience.
Things you might reflect on
- Which long-term effort could you add a small step to today?
- Where might a little more flexibility make things easier?
- Do you count rest as part of the work?
Years it falls on
Each year begins at Lunar New Year; the date varies between 21 January and 20 February.
- 1901 · Metal · 19 February 1901
- 1913 · Water · 6 February 1913
- 1925 · Wood · 24 January 1925
- 1937 · Fire · 11 February 1937
- 1949 · Earth · 29 January 1949
- 1961 · Metal · 15 February 1961
- 1973 · Water · 3 February 1973
- 1985 · Wood · 20 February 1985
- 1997 · Fire · 7 February 1997
- 2009 · Earth · 26 January 2009
- 2021 · Metal · 12 February 2021
- 2033 · Water · 31 January 2033
- 2045 · Wood · 17 February 2045
- 2057 · Fire · 4 February 2057
- 2069 · Earth · 23 January 2069
- 2081 · Metal · 9 February 2081
- 2093 · Water · 27 January 2093
This animal with the five elements
In the tradition the year's element adds a tone to the animal's character. It is a cultural reading and does not define a person.
- Wood Ox
- Wood roots into earth: the ox is more flexible and enterprising. Its patience is directed at growth, nursing something new along slowly.
- Fire Ox
- Fire feeds earth: the ox's calm strength gains warmth and passion. Its resolve becomes more visible and warming.
- Earth Ox
- The ox doubled in its own element: steadiness and reliability at their peak. The tendency to resist change is just as marked.
- Metal Ox
- Earth gives birth to metal: the ox is meticulous and disciplined. Its labour carries a measured sharpness and finishes work down to the detail.
- Water Ox
- Earth channels water: fluidity and intuition join the ox's patience. A little more open to change and more emotionally sensitive.
The five elements
- Wood
- Growth, flexibility and generosity. Wood symbolises the energy that puts out new shoots and makes room for others.
- Fire
- Passion, warmth and visibility. Fire symbolises the energy that spreads enthusiasm but needs to be kept in balance.
- Earth
- Balance, patience and nourishment. Earth symbolises the energy that holds things together and gives a sense of security.
- Metal
- Clarity, resolve and essence. Metal symbolises the energy that clears away the unnecessary and polishes what matters.
- Water
- Intuition, adaptability and depth. Water symbolises the energy that finds its way by flowing around obstacles.
The twelve animals
For entertainment and self-reflection. Year animals are presented as cultural history and character symbolism; they do not tell you what a year holds.
The images on this page were generated with AI.