Year of the Ox: Chinese Zodiac Meaning and Years

Musk Ox - Year of the Ox
MM.Wildlifephotos/Shutterstock.com

Written by Dayva Segal

Updated: July 16, 2023

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The Chinese zodiac is different than the Hellenistic astrology that many people in the western world follow. Instead of signs like Virgo or Aries, the Chinese zodiac uses 12 animal symbols, including the ox. Another difference from Hellenistic astrology is that each year of the Chinese zodiac is represented by a different animal on a rolling 12-year cycle. The ox is the second animal in the cycle.

The Chinese zodiac is based on the lunar calendar. So, the year of the ox almost never starts on January 1. It starts on the Lunar New Year or the Chinese New Year.

In addition to having 12 animals, the Chinese zodiac also operates on a rolling cycle of five elements: wood, water, metal, air, and fire. These elements give that particular group of people with the sign of ox different personality characteristics.

Infographic for Year of the Ox
Those born in the year of the Ox are likely to have a plan for everything before making a move.

Was I Born in the Year of the Ox?

The following chart will tell you if you were born in the year of the ox and which element is associated with the year you were born.

DatesElement
February 19, 1901 – February 7, 1902Metal
February 6, 1913 – January 25, 1914Water
January 24, 1925 – February 12, 1926Wood
February 11, 1937 – January 30, 1938Fire
January 29, 1949 – February 16, 1950Earth
February 15, 1961 – February 4, 1962Metal
February 3, 1973 – January 22, 1974Water
February 20, 1985 – February 8, 1986Wood
February 7, 1997 – January 27, 1998Fire
January 26, 2009 – February 13, 2010Earth
February 12, 2021 – January 31, 2022Metal
January 31, 2033 – February 18, 2034Water
February 17, 2045 – February 5, 2046Wood
February 4, 2057 – January 23, 2058Fire
January 23, 2069 – February 10, 2070Earth
February 9, 2081 – January 28, 2082Metal
January 27, 2093 – February 14, 2094Water

Lucky Symbols and Times

Ox - Year of the Ox

The ox is the second sign on the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

Each animal of the Chinese zodiac has both lucky and unlucky symbols and times associated with it. People born under the sign of the ox may use these lucky symbols to find good fortune in life. Those who believe in Chinese astrology also say that unlucky symbols should be avoided. Here are the lucky symbols for people with the sign of the ox in the Chinese zodiac.

  • Lucky numbers: 1 and 4, as well as any number that combines the two of them such as 41
  • Lucky colors: Blue, Red, Purple
  • Lucky flowers: Tulips
  • Lucky directions: East & southeast
  • Lucky direction for money: Northwest
  • Lucky direction for love: South
  • Ruling hour: 1am – 3am.

Unlucky Symbols and Times

As mentioned, each sign in the Chinese zodiac also has unlucky symbols that people with the sign should avoid. People in each Chinese zodiac may also expect bad luck every 12 years when the sign of their birth comes back around. Here are the unlucky symbols for people born under the sign of the ox.

  • Unlucky numbers: 6 and 9, as well as any number that combines the two like 96
  • Unlucky colors: White and green.

Does the Year of the Ox Have Yin or Yang Energy?

The year of the ox has yin energy. In traditional Chinese philosophy, this is the side of yin and yang most associated with feminine and restful energy.

Which Element Is Associated With the Year of the Ox?

The year of the ox is associated with the element of earth. In Chinese philosophy, earth is the third and middle element out of five. It is centering and balancing and is a combination of yin and yang. It is associated with the color yellow, damp weather, and the mythical animal, the yellow dragon.

The year of the ox is associated with the season of winter.

Which Heavenly General Is Associated With the Year of the Ox?

The heavenly general associated with the year of the ox is Vajra in Sanskrit or 招杜羅 in Chinese. Each year of the Chinese zodiac is associated with one of these holy generals that are considered protective gods.

Year of the Ox Personality Traits

Two Oxen Working on Farm

The attributes of oxen can also be applied to those of the ox zodiac.

If you think about the qualities of the ox animal, they are often thought of as stubborn yet calm. Those characteristics can also be attributed to people who fall under the sign of the ox. People with this sign are very dependable, determined, and hard-working. People with this sign may be very traditional and conservative-minded. They make very faithful and dedicated partners and have a lot of patience to build whatever they are working on in life.

Oxes are very detail oriented. They like to have a plan for everything and will come up with a sure course of action before making a move. Because of their careful planning and determination, they are likely to be successful in their work. They can find success in many areas of commerce, whether it is being a craftsperson or having their own business.

The ox is more likely to have a few close friends rather than a large and varied social circle. They appreciate routines. While they can be traditional, they like to be comfortable and are willing to spend money for comfort.

However, the more challenging aspects of this are that oxen are very stubborn and don’t easily divert from their plan. They may not readily take the suggestions of others and may have low communication skills as they can get easily frustrated when others don’t go along with their plans.

Wood Personality Traits

Wood oxen may be a little more restless than oxen of other elements. They are also always ready to defend the underdog.

Fire Personality Traits

Fire oxen are very practical but they may be more conservative than other types of oxen. This may lead them to become short-sighted or even selfish.

Earth Personality Traits

Earth oxen are very honest people, but tend to be more careful than others.

Metal Personality Traits

Metal oxen are more social than other oxen elements. They may have a busy social calendar!

Water Personality Traits

Water oxen are able to get through hardship particularly well. They also have a strong sense of justice.

Famous People Born During the Year of the Ox

Some famous people born under the sign of the ox in Chinese astrology include:

  • Marlene Dietrich
  • Barack Obama
  • Walt Disney
  • Kylie Jenner
  • Louis Armstrong
  • Billy Joel
  • Jack Nicholson
  • Malcolm X
  • Jane Fonda
  • Meryl Streep.

What Other Chinese Zodiac Signs Are Compatible With the Year of the Ox?

Rhode Island Red Rooster isolated

Those born during the year of the ox are most compatible with roosters, as well as rats and snakes.

The signs that are the most compatible with those that were born in the year of the ox are the rat, snake, and rooster. The least compatible signs are tiger, horse, goat, and monkey.


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About the Author

Dayva is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering astrology, animals, and geography. She has over 12 years of experience as a writer, and graduated from Hofstra University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Music and a Minor in French. She has also completed course work in Core Strengths Coaching, Hypnotherapy, and Technical Communication. Dayva lives in the SF Bay Area with her cute but very shy cat, Tula.

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