Feb. 12, 2021 marks the beginning of the Year of the Ox according to the Chinese calendar. The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle, with an animal representing each year, and the animals, in order, are the: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. According to Chinese folklore, these animals competed in a race to determine their order, and a clever rat rode an ox’s back to cross the finish line first. Hence, the rat is the first animal, and the ox is the second. Although it is called the Chinese zodiac, other cultures, such as the Korean and Vietnamese culture, may also reference the system.
Each Chinese zodiac year is not only defined by an animal, but also by one of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These elements are derived from the Five Elements Theory—known as Wu Xin in Chinese—which is a philosophy that describes the interdependence between all things. The elements create and destroy each other, resulting in harmony.
2021 is the Year of the Metal Ox. Metal is motivated by success, hard work, and discipline, so a primary message this year is to work hard to achieve success. Unfortunately, metal years may also be times to embrace difficulties and persevere through them. For those who take a more go-with-the-flow, relaxed approach to life, creating a routine for working and adhering to a more structured lifestyle will be ideal.
Each element is also characterized by a yin or yang force and an additional element. According to astrologers, the Year of the Ox will bring stability and nourishment due to its association with yin, representing slowness and softness, and earth, representing steadiness. In contrast, last year’s Year of the Rat was characterized by yang, known for being fast and active, and water, which is known for being ever-changing. The Year of the Rat is typically known for renewal and new opportunities. Although the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic last year was not a welcome change of pace, it did provide an opportunity for renewal for some. Last year was also a metal year, which is fitting as many persevered through difficulties.
Although not everyone may believe in the Chinese zodiac or Chinese astrology, it can offer psychological comfort and enhance the celebration of holidays such as Lunar New Year. Let’s look forward to celebrating the Year of the Ox!