The Chinese Zodiac is a traditional method of designating birth years. Consisting of 12 animals, its origins are closely linked to people’s animal worship in ancient times. Each of these Zodiac animals is associated with rich legends, and symbolic meanings, and are widely used to predict personality, fortune, life paths, marriage compatibility, etc. And, in this article, we’ll explore all the things to know about the second sign in the Chinese Zodiac cycle: the Ox.
Ox ranks second in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac signs, corresponding to the earthly branch “Chou” (丑). Also, it is in the second position in the traditional timekeeping system in China, representing 1 AM to 3 AM (called “Chou hour”).
In Chinese culture, the Ox often symbolizes strength and diligence, thanks to its great contributions to agricultural harvest. Correspondingly, people born in the year of the Ox are often seen as hardworking, dependable, responsible, and trustworthy.
Chinese Zodiac Ox Years
The Chinese Zodiac corresponds to the 12 Earthly Branches, and each Earthly Branch represents a specific year. That means the twelve Zodiac animals can rotate in a complete cycle every twelve years. So the Year of the Ox also reappears every twelve years. For example, the most recent Year of the Ox was in 2021, and the next ones will be in 2033, and 2045.
Recent years of the Ox are 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033, etc.
Please note that the Chinese Zodiac years are generally dated by the Chinese lunar calendar rather than a fixed Gregorian calendar date. The zodiac sign changes on the first day of the Chinese New Year which usually falls between January and February. That means people born before the Lunar New Year’s Day belong to one zodiac sign, or the next zodiac sign if they are born on or after the Lunar New Year’s Day. If someone’s birthday falls between January and February, it will be necessary to refer to the specific Lunar calendar dates to determine his/her zodiac sign.
Dates of Ox Years
Below is a chart with the exact start and end dates of recent Ox Years, along with their corresponding elements:
| Year | Lunar Year | Start Date | End Date | Element |
| 1913 | Gui Chou（癸丑年） | February 6, 1913 | January 25, 1914 | Water Ox |
| 1925 | Yi Chou（乙丑年） | January 25, 1925 | February 12, 1926 | Wood Ox |
| 1937 | Ding Chou（丁丑年） | February 11, 1937 | January 30, 1938 | Fire Ox |
| 1949 | Ji Chou（己丑年） | January 29, 1949 | February 16, 1950 | Earth Ox |
| 1961 | Xin Chou（辛丑年） | February 15, 1961 | February 4, 1962 | Metal Ox |
| 1973 | Gui Chou（癸丑年） | February 3, 1973 | January 22, 1974 | Water Ox |
| 1985 | Yi Chou（乙丑年） | February 20, 1985 | February 8, 1986 | Wood Ox |
| 1997 | Ding Chou（丁丑年） | February 7, 1997 | January 27, 1998 | Fire Ox |
| 2009 | Ji Chou（己丑年） | January 26, 2009 | February 13, 2010 | Earth Ox |
| 2021 | Xin Chou（辛丑年） | February 12, 2021 | January 31, 2022 | Metal Ox |
| 2033 | Gui Chou（癸丑年） | January 31, 2033 | February 18, 2034 | Water Ox |
Ox Chinese Horoscope 2025
2025 will be a year marked by both challenges and opportunities for people born in the Year of the Ox. With careful attention to their fortunes, Oxen can effectively navigate their challenges and crises in 2025.
The four key predictions for Oxen in 2025 are as below:
- Career: As long as they arrive at work on time each day, Ox workers will have an easy job in 2025. You won’t run into any problems because all tasks are familiar. For entrepreneurs, the business will not hire more staff members or grow its operations. Oxens at work: if you do practical work, you’ll gain the affection of your superiors, and your salary has increased. Valuable opportunities are available for those looking to enter new industries if they can break away from traditional patterns.
- Financial: 2025 will see progress in financial fortunes compared to previous years. Their primary income will remain stable and consistent. While additional financial gains appear to be moderate. It is essential to caution against impulsive financial decisions to avoid unnecessary risks.
- Relationships: Relationships may face challenges in 2025. In the workplace, please be cautious of deceit and avoid getting involved in discussions or making judgments about others. In family life, it’s essential to take care of your partner’s feelings to avoid issues in relationships.
- Health: In terms of their health, Chinese Zodiac Ox individuals will experience mishaps in 2025, and minor ailments will unavoidably arise. Health issues should also be taken into consideration. Generally speaking, increasing physical activity can enhance one’s physical well-being.
Personality & Characteristics of the Ox
Generally, people born in the Year of the Ox are recognized as steady, reliable, honest, trustworthy, persistent, determined, humble, cautious, and traditional. They are usually very focused on their goals and place a high value on traditional beliefs, family, hobbies, and friendships. Though they sometimes can be stubborn and relatively introverted in social interactions, the Oxen often excel as leaders and are loyal and dependable friends and family members thanks to their excellent personality traits.
- Ox Men: Male Oxen are typically steady and reliable, easily earning the trust of others. They are grounded and pragmatic, relying on logic more than emotions. While they tend to be self-reliant and confident, they may sometimes impress othersas lacking humor and warmth.
- Ox Women: Women born in the Year of the Ox are typically solid, meticulous, and organized. They usually enjoy the role of taking care of and arranging everything for the family. Their traits of being steady and conservative make them exceptional at accumulating wealth and managing finances.
5 Elements Analysis for Ox Year People
People who share the same zodiac sign may differ in elements based on their birth years. In the traditional Chinese calendrical system, the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches work together to form a 60-year cycle. Their specific combination determines the element of each year and influences a person’s personality traits in conjunction with the Zodiac animal.
- EarthOx (1949, 2009): Are stable and reliable, have a strong sense of duty, usually focus on practical outcomes, and tend to be cautious in decision-making.
- FireOx (1937, 1997): Full of passion, have strong leadership skills, self-assured and determined, but sometimes can be impulsive, need to learn to control emotion.
- MetalOx (1961, 2021): Rational Metal Oxen are typically good at analyzing problems, like to work methodically, usually independent, and might have a tendency toward perfectionism.
- WaterOx (1913, 1973, 2033): Are flexible to changing circumstances, can consider problems from different angles, but relatively sensitive, have delicate emotions.
- WoodOx (1925, 1985): Optimistic, strong creativity and imagination, can adapt to different environments and situations flexibly, and have good communication skills.
Lucky/Unlucky Signs for People Born in the Year of Ox
The following lucky and unlucky signs are thought to bring good or bad fortune for people born in the Year of the Ox.
| Lucky Signs | Unlucky Signs: Things should be avoided |
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Love Compatibility of the Ox
In Chinese Feng Shui theory and astrology, the specific symbolic meaning of each zodiac sign is also used to predict auspicious and inauspicious influences. Combinations of certain zodiac signs are considered best matches and will bring extra luck. While some combinations are considered enemies that should be avoided.
Below is the marriage compatibility of the Ox with other zodiac signs:
Best Matches
- Female Oxen: Men born in the Year of the Rat, Horse, Rooster, Tiger, or Monkey.
- Male Oxen: Women born in the Year of the Rat, Snake, Monkey, Rooster, or Tiger.
Bad Matches
- Female Oxen: Men born in the Year of the Ox, Dog, or Goat.
- Male Oxen: Women born in the Year of the Ox, Dragon, or Dog.
Best Jobs & Careers for the Ox
The Ox’s diligent, outspoken, determined, and steady traits and their strong problem-solving skills make them ideal for jobs that require patience, attention to detail, and critical thinking.
Their strong responsibility and leadership skills make them suitable for roles such as project managers and team leaders. In the manufacturing field, jobs like engineers, technicians, or quality inspectors are also great choices to play to their strengths. The industries of agriculture and construction are where the Oxen can harness their practicality and endurance strengths. Those who are cautious and steady in financial matters can perform well in investment, accounting, or banking. Plus, they can also be great educators thanks to their patience and attention to detail.
Health Advice for the Oxen
People born in the Year of the Ox are naturally robust and generally enjoy good health. But minor issues may still occasionally trouble them, and gastrointestinal problems are what they need to particularly watch out for. Since the Oxen are diligent and hardworking, tending to overwork and shoulder all pressures. This means they may often forget to eat or eat hastily. Thus balance and self-care are essential for them. Make sure to get enough rest, eat a balanced diet, and regular meals.
How to Get along with the Ox Zodiac Sign
The Oxen are mostly independent, sticking to their ideas and ways of doing things. Though they may sometimes not be very talkative, or relatively introverted in social interactions, they are incredibly reliable partners. When communicating with an Ox, being sincere and straightforward will help a lot build mutual trust with them. Try to listen to them patiently and understand their perspectives even if you disagree. If conflicts arise, writing letters or leaving messages to express your thoughts will help to make interactions more smoother.
Origin Story
There are many fascinating Chinese folk tales about the Zodiac Ox. Below are two widely known ones:
One story suggests that the Ox was once a deity responsible for overseeing grass seeds. One day, because of his negligence, the seeds were spilled on Earth. The overgrowth of weeds made it difficult for the peasants to grow crops. The Jade Emperor was very furious about this and punished the Ox deity and its descendants to eat grass and help humans in weeding and plowing fields. Because of the long-term diligent work, the Ox finally earned respect and admiration. When it came time to select the Chinese Zodiac animals, people reached a unanimous agreement to include the Ox as one of the zodiac signs.
Another story recounts the race organized by the Jade Emperor to select the twelve zodiac animals. During the race, the Rat took advantage of the Ox’s kindness and overconfidence. Though the Ox ran fast and raced ahead, the Rat rode on his back. When the Ox was about to be the first to finish, the Rat jumped off his back just before the finish line. Finally, the Rat secured the first place, while the Ox came in second.
More readings about Chinese culture and traditions:
- Chinese Mid-autumn Festival
- Chinese Tea Culture
- History of China – Timeline of Chinese History & Dynasties
Famous People Born in the Year of the Ox
Vincent van Gogh: March 30, 1853
Adolf Hitler: April 20, 1889
Walt Disney: December 5, 1901
Margaret Thatcher: October 13, 1925
Princess Diana: July 1, 1961
Barack Obama: August 4, 1961
FAQs about the Chinese Zodiac Ox
When is the next year of the Ox?
The most recent Year of the Ox was in 2021, and the next one will be in 2033.
Is the Ox lucky in 2024?
According to the analysis of the Ox’s 2024 fortunes, they can expect positive changes in several aspects this year. They are likely to receive guidance and support from experienced benefactors and reach significant breakthroughs in their careers. The financial stability in 2024 may lead to a notable increase in income. In relationships, they can also overcome difficulties through their strong sense of responsibility and family values
What is the lucky color for the Ox Zodiac sign in 2024?
The Ox’s lucky colors in 2024 are purple, pink, yellow, and emerald green. To enhance their luck, they can incorporate these lucky colors properly in their daily lives, whether through clothing, accessories, or home decorations. A harmonious combination of these colors will help to attract good fortune.
What are the people born in the year of the ox like?
Typically, people born in the year of the Ox are recognized as hard-working, patient, reliable, and steady in their goals. Their diligence and dedication enable them to excel in their work. However, the Oxen may also be relatively stubborn and overly conservative. This can affect their adaptability to some degree, making it challenging for them to embrace change or new ideas.
How important is the Year of the Ox in modern China?
China has historically been an agrarian society, with the Ox serving as an essential labor force. In traditional Chinese culture, the Ox symbolizes abundance and prosperity. Years of the Ox are thus often viewed as full of hope and opportunities. People are also prompted to work harder to achieve better harvests and life.
