I. Cultural Significance
Among the twelve Chinese zodiac animals, the ox ranks second, corresponding to the Earthly Branch “Chou”. Apart from the dragon, which appears only in mythology and totems, the ox is the largest animal in the zodiac, and in daily life, people often use “ox” to signify abundance or greatness. In traditional Chinese culture, the ox symbolizes diligence and perseverance—it moves slowly but steadily, leaving one solid footprint after another, working quietly and without complaint-. At the same time, the ox is also a totem of steadfast love-.
“Earth Opened in Chou” – The Power of Creation
According to folklore, after the rat bit open the sky, it was the ox that opened the earth through ploughing, which is why the ox is associated with Chou. This legend grants the ox the status of a divine creature that helped create the world, and also establishes its position as the second animal in the zodiac.
Diligence and Dedication
The ox is a faithful helper in farming. Ancient China was an agricultural society, and people developed deep affection for the ox, attributing to it such fine qualities as honesty, diligence, and selflessness-. Lu Xun, one of China’s most celebrated writers, famously declared, “Fierce-browed, I coolly defy a thousand pointing fingers; head bowed, like a willing ox I serve the children.” This line has become a motto for many and a symbol of the Chinese nation’s spirit of self-improvement and perseverance. The images of the “willing ox,” the “pioneering ox,” and the “old yellow ox” are well-known metaphors that embody the spiritual strength of the Chinese people.
Strength and Auspiciousness
The ancients believed that the ox possessed divine powers from both the Earth and Water elements in the Five Phases, representing favorable weather and national peace and prosperity-. In folk art, the “pioneering ox” is depicted as rugged and majestic, leaning forward with unyielding determination, symbolizing firmness and strength—a guardian of good fortune and happiness-. Over the course of long historical and cultural development, the ox has been endowed with rich symbolic meanings including auspiciousness, strength, diligence, steadfastness, dedication, and wealth-. The ox is a symbol of “good fortune,” a symbol of “strength,” and also a symbol of “bountiful harvests”-.
Wealth and Nobility
In traditional Chinese culture, which was centered on agriculture, the ox was regarded as a symbol of industriousness, kindness, and wealth, and was believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck-. According to the Da Dai Li Ji (Records of Ritual by Dai the Elder), “The sacrifice of the feudal lords uses the ox, and this is called Tai Lao”—the ox was the most honorable sacrificial offering, used by the emperor in rituals to the gods of state and heaven and earth-. The ox is also a homophone for “twist” (niǔ) in Chinese, giving rise to the auspicious phrase “twisting (niú) the universe around,” which signifies overcoming difficulties, achieving career success, and enjoying prosperity-.
The Virtues of Truth and Goodness
Among the twelve zodiac animals, the ox best represents the virtues of truth and goodness—it embodies sincerity and benevolent action-. The ox is seen as a symbol of diligence, simplicity, sincerity, loyalty, endurance, and determined strength, carrying the auspicious meanings of prosperity through hard work and favorable weather for crops-.
During the Spring Festival, people create auspicious phrases such as “niú qì chōng tiān” (soaring ox spirit), “golden ox brings blessings,” “great fortune in the Ox year,” “ox turns the universe around,” and “golden ox presents auspiciousness,” expressing their hopes for a better life.
II. Years of the Ox
The zodiac cycle repeats every 12 years. The following are the major Ox years in modern times (counted from the Lunar New Year)--15:
| Year | Heavenly Stem & Earthly Branch | Five Elements |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 | Guichou | Water Ox |
| 1925 | Yichou | Wood Ox |
| 1937 | Dingchou | Fire Ox |
| 1949 | Jichou | Earth Ox |
| 1961 | Xinchou | Metal Ox |
| 1973 | Guichou | Water Ox |
| 1985 | Yichou | Wood Ox |
| 1997 | Dingchou | Fire Ox |
| 2009 | Jichou | Earth Ox |
| 2021 | Xinchou | Metal Ox |
| 2033 | Guichou | Water Ox |
The above years are all Lunar Ox years, with specific birth dates subject to the Lunar New Year boundary. For example, the 1985 Ox year ran from February 20, 1985 to February 8, 1986; the 1997 Ox year ran from February 7, 1997 to January 27, 1998; and the 2021 Ox year ran from February 12, 2021 to January 31, 2022. The next Ox year will be 2033-.
The Ox zodiac is also combined with the Five Elements, giving rise to different attributes such as Metal Ox, Water Ox, Fire Ox, Earth Ox, and Wood Ox-. For instance, those born in 1925 and 1985 belong to the “Wood Ox” (Metal Ox destiny); those born in 1937 and 1997 belong to the “Fire Ox” (Water Ox destiny); those born in 1949 and 2009 belong to the “Earth Ox” (Fire Ox destiny); those born in 1961 and 2021 belong to the “Metal Ox” (Earth Ox destiny); and those born in 1913 and 1973 belong to the “Water Ox” (Wood Ox destiny)-.