Ox (zodiac)

The Ox (牛) is the second animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, which is tied to the Chinese calendar. It follows the Rat and comes before the Tiger. Each year linked to the Ox is special because it has its own unique characteristics and meanings in Chinese culture.

The Year of the Ox is also shown by the Earthly Branch symbol chǒu (丑). There is even a month and an hour each day connected to the Ox, from 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. These connections make the Ox an important part of how time is understood in many places.

Ox years change based on another cycle called the Heavenly Stems. This creates a pattern where the Ox appears every twelve years, but each of those years also links to one of the Chinese wǔxíng, or "five elements": Fire, Water, Wood, Metal, and Earth. These elements add even more meaning to each Ox year.

Etymology

The word we use for the animal in the Chinese zodiac, ox, comes from the Chinese word niú, which means cows, bulls, or other types of cattle, like water buffalo. So, the zodiac ox can refer to many kinds of these animals.

The word "zodiac" comes from an ancient Greek term that means "circle of little animals".

Zodiac

Main article: Chinese zodiac

The Ox (牛) is the second animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, which is linked to the Chinese calendar and similar calendars in other East Asian countries. This cycle repeats every 12 years and is based on the time it takes for Jupiter to orbit the Sun. The Ox can be represented by different types of cattle, including cows and bulls. Each year of the Ox is also linked to one of the five elements—Fire, Water, Wood, Metal, or Earth—which repeat in a 60-year cycle.

The Year of the Ox comes after the Year of the Rat and before the Year of the Tiger. Unlike Western astrology, the Chinese zodiac does not connect its animals to groups of stars in the sky. Instead, it uses a yearly cycle to represent different traits and influences.

Mythological ox

Further information: Ox in Chinese mythology and Agriculture (Chinese mythology)

The ox has an important place in old Chinese stories. Many tales feature oxen or creatures with ox-like traits, sometimes as main characters and sometimes as helpers. These stories often show oxen helping with farming, pulling carts, or being part of special ceremonies.

One famous story tells of a race to decide the order of animals in the twelve-year cycle. The Rat asked the strong and steady Ox for a ride. But near the end, the Rat jumped off and crossed the finish line just ahead, leaving the Ox in second place.

Years and the Five Elements

Further information: Sexagenary cycle

People born during certain times can be said to be born in the "Year of the Ox", and they share a special sign related to natural elements.

Lunar Mansion

Further information: Twenty-Eight Mansions and Nakshatra

In old Chinese ways of studying the stars, people grouped the stars into special patterns, much like how some cultures use animal signs. These groups are called the Twenty-Eight Mansions. Each night, the moon seems to move from one mansion to the next. These mansions are split into four groups of seven and each group is linked to a special spirit. The Year of the Ox, called Chǒu (丑), is connected to a spirit named the Black Warrior, or Xuánwǔ, and the stars of Beta Tauri in today’s science of stars.

Hour of the Ox

Further information: Traditional Chinese timekeeping

In Chinese tradition, the day and night are split into 12 parts called double-hours. Each part matches one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac and has its own special meaning. The first double-hour is called the Hour of the Rat, from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The next one is the Hour of the Ox, which goes from 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. This double-hour is named chǒu.

Basic astrology elements

Around the world

In the Vietnamese zodiac, the water buffalo takes the place of the Ox. In Nepal, the Tamu/Gurung people celebrate the year of the cow.