According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2020 was the Year of the Rat. And we’re glad to say goodbye to this Rat!

2021 will be the year of the Ox. What does that signify?

First – what exactly does the Zodiac mean?

The Chinese zodiac is basically a categorization of the years based on the lunar calendar. It’s a twelve-year cycle in which each year is related to a certain animal, or bird and each animal has its own unique characteristics.

The rat is first in the cycle. After the rat comes the ox, then the tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and lastly, the pig. 

Ok, so what’s the year of the Ox?

This year – called the Year of Metal Ox, starts from the 12^th of February, 2021 (it’s when the Chinese New Year will take place). 

The Chinese believe that the Ox is a true and faithful friend. Like the ox, people born in these years are said to be hard-working, cautious, faithful, and helpful. Oxen are used in farming and this is why they are seen as symbols of diligence, determination, and honesty.

Why is the Ox second in the 12-year cycle?

The story goes that the Ox came second in the line of Chinese zodiacs because it was tricked by the rat.

Here’s what is said to have happened…

Jade Emperor – the supreme God of the Chinese folk religion, and the ruler of all heavens  – invited the animal kingdom to take part in a race. He said that the first 12 animals who win the race would be made symbols of the Chinese zodiac system in order of appearance.

Question is, the rat was the smallest – so how did it win the race and get to first place in the Zodiac system?

Well, the rat was very clever. It knew that the ox was hard working and strong, so it made a plan and convinced the Ox that together they would be a winning team – since the ox was strong and the rat had a great sight.

The rat, thus, hopped on the back of Ox. But, when they neared the other side of the river, the rat quickly jumped ahead and made it to the finish line.

It was named the first animal of the Chinese zodiac, followed by Ox, who came in second! 

Did you know this story? Well, now you do 🙂 

Here’s hoping that now that the Rat is gone, the Ox will bring better luck to us in2021!

Happy New Year Everyone!