Welcome to the Year of the Ox

This year, Chinese New Year (a.k.a. Lunar New Year) falls on the 12th of February.

Celebrated in many countries worldwide, a notable feature of the festivities is the Chinese Zodiac. Also known as Sheng Xiao, the zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a different animal sign. Each sign is believed to correlate to the personalities of those born under it, with positive (and sometimes not so positive!) traits associated with each one.

2021 is the Year of the Ox. People born in the Year of the Ox are said to be intelligent, reliable and hard working. (This is because oxen are seen as honest and earnest animals.) If your sign is the Ox, you'll be low-key and never look for praise or to be the centre of attention. This may serve to hide your many talents, but you'll ultimately gain recognition through your hard work and dedication.

Those born under the sign of the Ox believe that people should do what's asked of them and always stay within their bounds. It's difficult for them to understand persuasion using manipulative means, because they believe in kindness as a way of life. They think logically, make great leaders and rarely lose their temper.

Compatibility:

• Most compatible with: Rat, Snake and Rooster
• Least compatible with: Goat, Horse and Dog

Lucky for Oxen:

• Colours: Blue, yellow and green
• Numbers: 1 and 4

Unlucky for Oxen:

• Colours: Red and brown
• Numbers: 3 and 6

Read on to discover more about your Chinese zodiac sign.

1. Rat

Quick-witted, resourceful and versatile.
Born: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.

2. Ox

Decisive, honest, dependable and hard working.
Born: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021.

3. Tiger

Brave, competitive, unpredictable and self-confident.
Born: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010.

4. Rabbit

Gentle, quiet, elegant and alert; quick, skilful, kind and patient.
Born: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011.

5. Dragon

Strong, confident, intelligent, ambitious, persevering and hard working.
Born: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012.

6. Snake

Flexible, intelligent, courageous, confident, insightful and communicative.
Born: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013.

7. Horse

Animated, kind, straightforward, active and energetic.
Born: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014.

8. Goat

Gentle, shy, stable, sympathetic and amicable.
Born: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015.

9. Monkey

Changeable, witty, intelligent, ambitious and adventurous.
Born: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016.

10. Rooster

Consistent, observant, hardworking, resourceful, courageous and talented.
Born: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017.

11. Dog

Loyal, honest, amiable, kind, cautious and prudent.
Born: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018.

12. Pig

Amiable, diligent, compassionate, generous, easy-going and gentle.
Born: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019.

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