Year of the Ox

Of all Chinese zodiac signs, the Ox ranks second. Years of the Ox include 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, etc... 2021 is the most recent year of the Gold Ox, beginning from February 12 to January 31. And 2033 will be the Water Ox year. People born in the Year of the Ox are constantly associated with loyalty, reliability, and genuineness.

Want to explore more about zodiac animals in Chinese culture? Keep reading this article about the year of the Ox horoscope prediction and find out which aspect needs your more attention and what will bring you good luck.

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Chinese Zodiac Ox Years

Wonder if you are an Ox? 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, and 2033 are the recent Chinese zodiac Ox years. If born in one of those years, you are probably an Ox. But if born in late February, you might be a Tiger, in some cases. For example, if your birthday is on Feb. 20, 2010, then your zodiac is the Tiger. But if you were born one week earlier, Feb. 13, you belong to the Ox.

Chinese zodiac signs are based on the Chinese Lunar New Year, also named the Spring Festival, instead of the Gregorian New Year, which is one of the most significant traditional festivals in China. The Spring Festival usually comes at the end of January till the middle of February in the Gregorian calendar. And the zodiac year usually comes after the Gregorian New Year.

The zodiac year, also named Ben Ming Nian, recurs every 12 years. Ben Ming Nian means the year with the same zodiac sign as the year of birth. For people born in the year of the Ox, your next Ben Ming Nian will come in 2033.

Check the table below about the Chinese zodiac year of the Ox, you can find out whether you are a part of the Chinese zodiac sign Ox without any zodiac calculators.

Years & Dates for Chinese Zodiac Ox

Ox Years Date 1925 January 24, 1925 - February 12, 1926 1937 February 11, 1937 - January 30, 1938 1949 January 29, 1949 - February 16, 1950 1961 February 15, 1961 - February 4, 1962 1973 February 3, 1973 - January 22, 1974 1985 February 19, 1985 - February 8, 1986 1997 February 7, 1997 - January 27, 1998 2009 January 26, 2009 - February 13, 2010 2021 February 12, 2021 - January 31, 2022 2033 January 31, 2033 - February 18, 2034

Zodiac Ox Horoscope 2026 (Year of the Horse)

In 2026, those born in the Year of the Ox will embark on a journey filled with opportunities and challenges. According to Chinese astrology, Chinese zodiac signs like Horse, Rat, Rabbit, and Ox will offend Tai Sui in 2026. According to Chinese folk beliefs, those who offend Tai Sui may be stuck in some adverse situations, such as illnesses and disputes. However, every cloud has a silver lining. It's essential to remain positive to face challenges.

Love & Relationships

For single Ox people, you will have good opportunities in your love relationships during the year 2026. You may have the chance to meet someone you like. Get to know people around you better and participate in interest groups and other activities. When you meet your ideal partner, you can be proactive, but don't rush for instant results.

Ox people who have partners should pay attention to communication with their partners and avoid conflicts caused by trivial matters. When disputes arise, it is necessary to analyze the problem in a timely manner and take measures to resolve the crisis.

Career

Ox people may face obstacles in their careers in 2026, such as difficulties in project progress, tense relationships with colleagues, or increased pressure from superiors. Due to the influence of conflict with Tai Sui, misunderstandings or competition are prone to occur in the workplace. You need to handle interpersonal relationships with caution. But later, there may be opportunities for promotion or recognition from leaders. Be careful not to become complacent due to temporary achievements.

Pay attention to the maintenance of relationships in the workplace. Good communication could help you win more trust and support. Besides, improvements in professional and comprehensive skills are helpful in adapting to changes in the workplace. When busy with work, it's also important to strike a balance between job and health so as to achieve more.

Wealth

In 2026, your luck with finance will be relatively stable. A good income can be obtained through hard work. However, it is still necessary to pay attention to financial management. In terms of investment, you need to remain cautious and avoid financial losses caused by impulsive decisions. You can choose some stable investment projects.

At the same time, it is also important to control consumption, avoid unnecessary expenses, and plan personal finances reasonably, which is helpful to lay a solid foundation for future development. Pay attention to your financial transactions with others to avoid disputes and conflicts caused by financial issues.

Health

The Ox horoscope in health appears to be good. However, it is still necessary to strike a balance between work and rest, avoiding exhaustion caused by prolonged work. Additionally, in terms of diet, you should pay attention to a balanced diet and avoid overeating and excessive drinking. Do more exercises, such as jogging, swimming, and yoga, to keep fit.

Lucky Things for Snake Zodiac

Lucky Things

Lucky Number: 1, 4, 7, 9
Lucky Colors: White and Yellow
Lucky Flowers: Waterlily, Morning Glory, Tulip and Peach Blossom
Lucky Directions: South, North
Lucky Stones: Emerald
Lucky Floors: 2, 5, 7, 10

Unlucky Things

Unlucky Numbers:3, 6, 5
Unlucky Colors: Brown, Green, Red and White
Unlucky Directions: Southwest

Chinese Zodiac Ox Personality Traits

Chinese zodiac sign Ox traits tend to be steady, hardworking, and patient. They are down-to-earth and responsible, so they prefer a stable life and are extremely loyal to family and friends. Although not good at expressing feelings, Ox Chinese zodiac personality is warm-hearted. Moreover, Chinese zodiac ox characteristics are pragmatic and persistent. They will show strong will in front of difficulties and pursuing dreams. Practical but not adventurous characteristics will make them achieve goals in their own ways.

Strength of Ox

Ox Chinese zodiac personalities are diligent and have a strong sense of responsibility to treat people and work seriously. Ox people attach great importance to family and work, which pushes them harder to create better conditions for family. They have perseverance in the face of challenges and can cope with problems calmly. Full of integrity, the Ox is prone to maintain justice when something unfair happens.

Weakness of Ox

Stubborn could be a common problem for most Ox people, which makes it hard to change their minds. Not letting it go easily results in their missing better chances. Poor expression leads them to not be so good at expressing how they feel. It will give the impression that Ox men are so silent that people can't see their real thoughts easily. The Ox tends to be irritable. When getting emotional, it's hard to get close to the Ox because sudden changes in mood make them elusive.

Ox Men Personality

Ox men's personalities are loyal, reliable, and genuine, so they hate to play tricks. It's easy for them to get along with others, and can be trusted by friends and lovers. Once Ox men have made decisions, it'll be difficult to change their minds. And they tend to be extremely critical, which may cause them to miss opportunities. Although they're stable most of the time, short-tempered when getting emotional. Especially at work, they'll set higher standards for themselves. Some Ox men tend to be macho people, expecting their partner could obey them implicitly. They'll be conservative sometimes and self-centered in love.

Ox Women Personality

Ox women's personalities are gentle and friendly, which also easy for them to get along with others. Having strong perseverance pushes them to try their best to achieve goals. Female Ox tends to be mature and stable, handling things in a comprehensive way. When facing various problems, they are able to calmly deal with them. Ox women hold traditional thinking patterns, hence hard to accept new things quickly. Female Oxen are prone to hold a grudge, so be careful of offending them.

Chinese Zodiac Snake Traits Based on Five Elements

Elements of Snakes Personalities Recent Years Wood Ox Conservative, straightforward, stubborn and passive 1925, 1985 Fire Ox Selfish, realist, volatile and penny-pinching 1937, 1997 Earth Ox Smart, assertive, loyal and prudent 1949, 2009 Gold Ox Popular among friends, active, lively, busy but lack of saving awareness 1961, 2021 Water Ox Hardworking, ingenuous, persistent, lack of observation 1913, 1973

Chinese Zodiac Ox Compatibility

Best Matches: Rat, Snake, Rooster

Ox and Rat Compatibility: Of all Chinese zodiac animals, the Ox and the Rat are compatible. Because the Rat is smart, optimistic, and quick-witted, it could bring joy and vitality to the steady Ox. Rat could offer them care and support in life to help them face challenges positively. They not only are complementary in personality but also can understand and tolerate each other, which contributes to their spending lives together.

Ox and Snake Compatibility: Love compatibility between Ox and Snake is perfect. They have similar qualities, responsibility, and loyalty. They share common life pursuits and values, which allow them can share burdens and happiness together. The Snake is smart and resourceful, which matches with the Ox's patience and diligence. They help each other in their careers to achieve more.

Ox and Rooster Compatibility: Ox and Rooster are the right type for each other. The Rooster is smart, capable, and energetic. Working with Oxen, Roosters tend to be more steady and meticulous, striking a balance. They will encourage and support each other in their respective fields and make progress together. And from the aspect of the Five Elements, a kind of Chinese astrology, the Ox could be regarded as the Rooster's treasury. Therefore, the combination of the two could benefit mutual wealth.

Worst Matches: Horse, Goat, Dog

Ox and Horse Compatibility: An old saying goes like this "White horses offend green cows". The two sides have different personalities and values. Ox people are down-to-earth and hardworking, while Horse people are outgoing and thoughtful, which makes it difficult for the two to understand and agree with each other. Conflicts will arise in the workplace and marriage. Communication barriers will cause difficulty in finding common ground.

Ox and Goat Compatibility: Chinese zodiac Ox compatibility with Sheep is out of character. And differences are mirrored in personalities and ideas. The Ox is stubborn, while the Sheep is short-tempered as well. They will have trouble in trivial matters. In real life, one focuses on material things, while the other focuses more on quality, which makes it difficult for them to understand each other.

Ox and Dog Compatibility: The Ox and the Dog of such a great variety of characters have very different views on things. Ox people are simple, but not good at expressing feelings. On the contrary, dog people have a strong sense of justice and are self-centered. When getting along with each other, they tend to keep arguing because of different opinions, which makes it difficult to keep a harmonious relationship.

Career Guide for Ox People

In Chinese culture, Ox Chinese zodiac is usually associated with gentle, patient, steady, and practical. Therefore, occupations related to education or real estate could be major choices for people born in the Ox years. Patience and perseverance allow them to earn customers' trust.

1. Financial Industry
People born in the Year of the Ox are steady and cautious, which are suitable for risk assessment and investment analysis in the financial industry. This perseverance allows them to stay calm to rationally make decisions in the complex financial markets.

2. Technical Areas
Medical Industry: Doctors and nurses require not only professional knowledge and skills but also a strong sense of responsibility. These compatible traits allow the Ox to develop steadily and provide patients with high-quality medical services.
Education: With patience and perseverance, Ox people can become excellent teachers or educational managers, teaching, cultivating, and helping students to improve their skills.

3. E-commerce Industry
People born in the Year of the Ox, with an acute eye for business and the capability to plan, are suitable for working in the e-commerce industry, selling products and branding through online platforms.

Ox in Chinese Culture

1. Symbol of Diligence
In Chinese culture, folks consider Chinese zodiac symbol ox as diligence and loyalty. Since China is a country with rich agricultural civilizations. Cattle are used as an important labor force in agricultural society. Therefore, Chinese legends had the image of hard work, representing the spirit of labor. In Taoist culture, the ride of immortals and talisman creatures also symbolized loyalty and protection of the owner.

2. Symbol of Wealth
The Ox was not only used to pull plow for farming but also a metaphor for wealth and status. In the old days, the number of Oxen, an important family fortune, stood for how rich a family was, which was embodied in many ancient literature.

3. Metaphor in Literature
The Ox plays an important role in Chinese culture. Many stories and idioms related to the Ox inspire people to pass on the qualities of hard work and dedication. For example, a willing Ox is a metaphor for people who are hardworking and dedicated but not seeking rewards. Besides, workhorse, or a drudge, is often used to refer to people who are driven to do hard labor. Butcher's knife in Chinese is a metaphor for people who show their talents slightly. It means that a person, with outstanding ability, could easily handle simple things.

4. Image in Journey to the West
When it comes to the most typical Ox character, the Bull Demon King must be on the list, which is a character in the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West. He calls himself the Great Sage of Pingtian, with strong power and was the sworn brother of Sun Wukong. The Bull Demon King is bold and loyal-minded, but he's also stubborn and competitive, which shows his complicated traits.

Why the Ox Ranks Second in Chinese Zodiac

The reason why the zodiac Ox ranks second. It needs to talk about the Chinese ancient story. It is said that the Jade Emperor was about to seek 12 animals as his guards. Creatures from all quarters swarmed for the positions. Both the Ox and the Rat started the journey early. When crossing the river, the Rat jumped upon the Ox’s back. Rat jumped down his back toward the Jade Emperor when they were about to get through the gate, winning first place. Therefore, it turns out that the Ox won the second place.

Famous People Born in the Year of the Ox

Name Date Element of Snake Andy Lau September 27, 1961 Gold Ox Barack Obama August 4, 1961 Gold Ox Bruno Mars October 8, 1985 Wood Ox Cristiano Ronaldo February 5, 1985 Wood Ox Morgan Freeman June 1, 1937 Fire Ox Paul Walker September 12, 1973 Water Ox

Chinese Zodiac Ox Vocabulary & Idioms

Chinese Pinyin English 九牛一毛 jiǔ  niú  yī  máo A drop in the bucket 九牛二虎 jiǔ  niú  èr  hǔ Tremendous effort 牛衣对泣 niú  yī  duì  qì A couple living in destitute misery 牛鬼蛇神 niú  guǐ  shé  shén Demons and monsters 牛头马面 niú  tóu  mǎ  miàn Ugly and wicked person 牛刀小试 niú  dāo  xiǎo  shì Display only a small part of one's talent 牛马风尘 niú  mǎ  fēng  chén Endure hardships of trip 牛高马大 niú  gāo  mǎ  dà Tall and strong 对牛弹琴 duì  niú  tán  qín Cast pearls before swine 庖丁解牛 páo  dīng  jiě  niú A magical and skilled form of craftsmanship