Chinese zodiac · sign 2 of 12
Ox
The Ox represents strength, determination and reliability. It's a symbol of perseverance and hard work.
- On the wheel of the twelve animals, in black: Ox.
- The red triangle links it with its two friends (三合): Snake and Rooster.
- The dotted line crosses to its opposite (六冲): Goat.
History and symbolism
The Ox in the Chinese tradition
In Chinese tradition, the Ox is a symbol of agriculture and prosperity. It came second in the Jade Emperor's race, after the Rat.
Traits
How it shows up
Characteristics
- Dedicated
- Strong
- Determined
- Patient
- Reliable
Strengths
- Unshakable determination
- Reliability
- Patience
- Physical and mental strength
- Loyalty
Challenges
- Stubbornness
- Rigidity
- Difficulty adapting
- Resentment
- Overwork
Ox years
Were you born in a Ox year?
The Chinese year starts with the Lunar New Year, between January 21 and February 21. If you were born in those weeks, check the exact day: your sign may be the previous one.
| Year | From | To | Element |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1925 | Jan 25, 1925 | Feb 12, 1926 | Wood |
| 1937 | Feb 11, 1937 | Jan 30, 1938 | Fire |
| 1949 | Jan 29, 1949 | Feb 16, 1950 | Earth |
| 1961 | Feb 15, 1961 | Feb 4, 1962 | Metal |
| 1973 | Feb 3, 1973 | Jan 22, 1974 | Water |
| 1985 | Feb 20, 1985 | Feb 8, 1986 | Wood |
| 1997 | Feb 7, 1997 | Jan 27, 1998 | Fire |
| 2009 | Jan 26, 2009 | Feb 13, 2010 | Earth |
| 2021 | Feb 12, 2021 | Jan 31, 2022 | Metal |
The five elements
Five versions of the same sign
Every Ox is also born with one of five elements, which changes every two years. The table above shows which one belongs to each year.
Wood
Fire
Earth
Metal
Water
What's your animal?
Calculate it from your date of birth, with the exact Chinese New Year cutoff, and see which countries, brands and people share your sign.
Keep in mind
The Chinese zodiac tradition is a cultural system. The Ox's characteristics are symbolic interpretations, not scientific data.
The Chinese zodiac is an age-old belief system rooted in Chinese culture. Molino uses it as a tool for reflection and self-knowledge. The interpretations don't constitute scientific evidence, predictions or diagnoses. The calculations are deterministic and reproducible from the year of birth.