Not just here in China, but for many people around the world one of the most intriguing traditions of the Lunar Calendar is its zodiac animals. The ancient system is thousands of years old and reveals small mysteries about our characters and our future. This year is the Year of the Ox.
The ox is considered a more preferable animal to its predecessor in the Zodiac cycle, the rat. The ox was one of the earliest domesticated animals, serving as a crucial agricultural tool before the creation of machines. As many as 2500 years ago, Chinese people made oxen plow the fields, meaning humans no longer had to perform such a laborious task.
The ox's image as a faithful and reliable friend of humans has been immortalized in numerous legends. The most well-known one in China is the love story of "Niu Lang and Zhi Nv", or" the Cowherd and the Girl Weaver."
Bai Dacheng, Folk Artist, said, "In the tale of the Cowherd and the Girl Weaver", the old ox sacrifices his own life so that Cowherd can dress in his skin to fly to the sky and meet his wife who has been banished to the heavens. The story represents a typical image of the ox that has long been rooted in Chinese people's minds. Whether in folklore or in artifacts, the ox has been portrayed as a dedicated and docile animal."
The Chinese animal signs form a 12-year cycle used to date the years. They represent a cyclical concept of time, rather than the Western linear concept of time.
The first Year of the Ox in the 20th century was 1901. Take a look at this list to see whether you were born in a year of the ox.
Celebrities who were include: Li Bai, the famous Chinese poet living in the Tang Dynasty; Yang Kaihui, the first wife of the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong; Richard Nixon, the late US president who broke the ice between China and the US; and Margaret Thatcher, the former British Prime Minister.
Bai, said, "It is believed that a person takes on the characteristics of the animal whose year he or she was born in. Those born in the years of the Ox are diligent, patient, determined and easy going. They are excellent organizers and devoted family members."
"Niu", the Chinese word meaning ox or bull can also be used as an adjective, as an informal alternative to "strong" or "excellent". For example, a "bull" market, as opposed to a "bear" market, refers to a booming stock market in which prices are rising or are expected to rise. The word "niu" can also used to describe people who can do incredible things.
Many people believe the Year of the Ox symbolizes prosperity through fortitude. And after the global economic slump hit in 2008, everyone is eager to put the year of the Rat behind them. It's not just China that's celebrating the arrival of the lunar new year. Canada, the United States, Brazil and France have all issued special Year of the Ox stamps, drawing praise from stamp collectors and ordinary people alike.
Here's hoping the New Year brings change for the good.
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The 12 Animal Zodiacby Jackmashekching84,848 views
So would that make me a half generation old because im 13 right now?
Thougervaj 1 year ago
past 3 times.... i'm 24 here in america, but in china, i would be 25 years old symbolizing a whole generation old.
MASoulChild85 1 year ago