Ox is the second animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, coming after the Rat and before the Tiger. Recent years of the Ox include 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, and 1949, with the next Ox year in 2033 (Year of the Water Ox). The Year of the Ox corresponds with the earthly branch symbol chǒu.
Taciturn, upright, patient, unpretentious, and persevering, Ox is one of the least flashy yet one of the most likable of the zodiacs. Their practical mindset is both their greatest asset and, at times, their detriment.
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Chinese Zodiac Years for Ox
Based on the Chinese lunar calendar and lunar New Year (as many things are in Chinese culture), the 12 Chinese zodiacs do not perfectly correspond to the more commonly used Gregorian calendar.
In particular, those born in January or February should make note of when the Chinese New Year begins, as your zodiac animal may be in the previous year (use the chart below).
Chart of Years, Dates and Elements for Ox Zodiac Signs
|
Ox Year |
Lunar Year Start Date |
Lunar Year End Date |
Element |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1925 |
January 24, 2025 |
February 12, 1926 |
Wood |
|
1937 |
February 11, 1937 |
January 30, 1938 |
Fire |
|
1949 |
January 29, 1949 |
February 16, 1950 |
Earth |
|
1961 |
February 15, 1961 |
February 4, 1962 |
Metal |
|
1973 |
February 3, 1973 |
January 22, 1974 |
Water |
|
1985 |
February 7, 1997 |
January 27, 1998 |
Wood |
|
1997 |
January 26, 2009 |
February 13, 2010 |
Fire |
|
2009 |
January 26, 2009 |
February 13, 2010 |
Earth |
|
2021 |
February 11, 2021 |
January 31, 2022 |
Metal |
|
2033 |
January 31, 2033 |
January 18, 2034 |
Water |
Personality Traits of Ox Signs
People born in the years of the Ox are diligent with a strong sense of responsibility. Although not usually charismatic, they’re nonetheless loved for their ability to “anchor,” whether at work or in their love life.
This is because although the Ox personality is gentle in nature, Oxen are capable of great courage when it’s time to step up—especially when no one else will, and overcome any difficulty, which many find rather reassuring.
Oxen are the hard workers in the background, intelligent and reliable, but never demanding praise.
On the flip side, Oxen can also be stubborn to the point of insisting on their way or the highway, which can make these mild personalities appear arrogant or temperamental despite the best of intentions.
In romance, their affection—although slow to ignite—will burn deep and remain bright for years to come, just like their ability to put their head down and work without complaint towards a career goal.
Ox Strengths
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Oxen’s greatest strength is their tenacity. They are methodical to the extreme, and “giving up” is never an option for them. Those traits serve them well when it comes to wealth.
Those same traits are Oxen’s secret to a happy romantic life. While their courtship is slow and steady, once settled into domestic bliss, the Ox feels as if they’ve been blessed with the world.
Ox Weaknesses
For people who appear so mild, Oxen’s stubborn tempers are often hidden until someone pushes their solidly reinforced boundary. When that happens, that person will find themselves at the brunt of a quiet but intense rage.
Oxen may often seem dull, and indeed, to anyone who prioritizes excitement and adventure in life, Oxen will most likely prove disappointing, but for those who value security, this weakness is more of a strength.
Female Ox Signs
Although women born in years of the Ox may appear less feminine, they’ll have abundant love and care to shower on the lucky person they decide to love. Their presence is one of motherly affection.
Oxen’s way to true contentment is to retreat from the masses and figure out what they want. Once this happens, Ox women are unlikely to waver from their path and will reach their desired destination.
Male Ox Signs
Men born in years of the Ox are calm, down-to-earth, and rarely act emotionally or impulsively. They are sensible and rational, valuing commitment and integrity in themselves as much as they do in others.
In love, although Ox men often struggle to express their feelings, they’ll give their partners the best they can offer. However, Ox men must learn to cultivate their ability to work or live with others.
Ox Zodiacs and the Five Elements Theory
The Chinese Five Elements Theory assigns one of the five elements—Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth—to each year, in addition to the zodiacs. So Oxen born in different years will have different personalities, according to the zodiac elements.
Metal Oxen
Those born in the Year of the Metal Ox are more active than others, always keeping up a full plate in life. They’re capable of working all day, even forgetting to sleep or eat in their drive toward their ultimate goals.
On the other hand, Metal Oxen aren’t blessed with great luck in love. If you’re lucky enough to find a partner, treat them and your relationship with care and dedication, and handle it with respect.
Water Oxen
Water Oxen have a great sense of justice and make dependable leaders. They can also look at things from a subjective viewpoint, which gives them a flexibility that other Oxen natives do not possess.
In matters of love, Water Oxen will be blessed to meet someone who checks all the boxes of their romantic ideal. They’ll have luck in business, where their friends are destined to bring them financial fortune.
Wood Oxen
Wood Oxen are straightforward with iron-clad values and standards that can prove offensive to some. In love, Wood Oxen should avoid petty quarrels with their partners since those hardly matter in the grand scheme.
Despite their careful nature, Wood Oxen may fall prey to money problems and must stay away from risky ventures and gambling. Thankfully, they’re also likely to find help readily at hand in times like these.
Fire Oxen
Fire Oxen can be self-centered and short-sighted and may find it difficult to build emotional intimacy with others. Therefore early on in life, their time would be best used by honing a skill to perfection.
Later on, life will grow steadily easier for Fire Oxen as they mature emotionally. In particular, because their material wealth is all but guaranteed with a stable income and even frequent bonuses from unexpected quarters.
Earth Oxen
Earth Oxen are even more diligent and thrifty than the rest, planning their every step with care. They’ll never extend themselves beyond their comfort zone, preferring to slowly gain confidence in life as they mature.
While not particularly fortunate early on, once they reach middle age and beyond, Earth Oxen will begin to understand their blessings with the opposite sex, who’ll be attracted to their gentle nature throughout the years.
Lucky (and Unlucky) Things for Oxen
Blue and purple, 2 and 7, and the northern direction are auspicious elements for Oxen, bringing them good fortune. On the other hand, red and brown, 3 and 6, and southwest are best avoided.
In Chinese astrology, your Ben Ming Nian, or zodiac birth year, is expected to bring bad luck, so be sure to wear the color red throughout the Year of the Ox (but don’t worry, you’re off the hook until 2033).
Lucky Things
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Lucky numbers: 2, 7
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Lucky colors: Blue, Purple
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Lucky directions: North
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Lucky flowers: Waterlily, Morning Glory, Tulip, Peach Blossom
Unlucky Things
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Unlucky numbers: 3, 6
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Unlucky colors: Red, Brown
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Unlucky directions: Southwest
Love and Compatibility for Oxen
Male or female, Oxen have a passionate heart with a romantic and rich inner world to match. They’re nurturing and steadfast, although it may take time before they feel ready to show their affectionate side.
Even when they finally meet someone they like, Oxen may seem indifferent on the surface while they’re burning with passion underneath. Take proactive action and speak your feelings, Ox, so that love can be yours!
❤️ Best Match: Ox and Snake
Ox and Snake are understated individuals who will never wear their hearts on their sleeves. Their love compatibility and courtship will surely be a slow one that takes time to reach its culmination—too slow to outside observers.
These animal signs know their own and their partner’s worth and aren’t afraid to invest time in unraveling their partner’s mystery. Once committed, they’ll likely stand firmly by each other’s side until death do them part.
Female Ox and Male Snake
As a couple, you won’t hesitate to work together and support each other through thick and thin. Together, you’ll be capable of building a more comfortable life in no time, with equal contribution from both.
You share the same values and beliefs with the same desire for stability, so you’ll be united in your striving. Before long, you’ll consider the other both a partner and the love of your life.
Male Ox and Female Snake
This is a harmonious union from the start. As they get to know each other, they’ll each feel as if they’ve found their other half. Once married, both partners will feel nourished by their family life.
Ox will treat his partner with truthfulness and kindness, while Snake is gentle and dedicated to her loved ones—fitting Ox’s preference for traditional family life. In return, he’ll act the breadwinner role with pride.
❤️ Best Match: Ox and Rooster
Rooster is one of the more brash signs, but they seem to appreciate the silent and tenacious ways of the Ox. And for once, the Ox doesn’t mind the attention of a more outgoing counterpart.
Whether male or female, the Ox will let their Rooster half pursue, but their interest won’t be hard to interpret, either. With this encouragement, the Rooster will likely make the Ox theirs before too long.
Female Ox and Male Rooster
Ox and Rooster will happily grow old together and be everyone’s “relationship goals,” as you’re both willing to nurture your partner and, later, your family together. You may feel the desire to marry rather quickly.
Rooster is honest and brave, their energy and optimism infectious for Ox. Even when facing difficulties in life, this team works well together, with Rooster leading the charge and Ox providing solid and loyal support.
Male Ox and Female Rooster
This will be a very happy pairing both partners working work hard in the professional sphere in their own way. THe Rooster will shine with natural charisma, dazzling their quiet Ox long before they notice.
Once together, you’ll pool your resources and enable each other to thrive in new ways. You’ll appreciate each other’s best qualities and the way each is able to contribute to the longevity of your marriage.
❤️ Best Match: Ox and Rat
Like in the zodiac origin story, Ox and Rat will decide to go on the journey of life together once they meet—but unlike in that story, it won’t be only the Rat who benefits.
Both signs are giving souls, considering their partner a part of themselves once they’re together, so they won’t hesitate to make sacrifices for their relationship to thrive. In the end, that’ll make a win-win union.
Female Ox and Male Rat
You’re a naturally complementary pair. Rat is sensitive, with a vision for the sort of love life he wants, while Ox is hardworking, capable of giving without reserve once she’s in love, giving her all.
Together, you’ll feel warmed to the core by your partner’s loving caress and attention. For a more satisfying partnership, however, Rat will need to take the initiative in creating passion for their more bashful partner.
Male Ox and Female Rat
This pairing has a fated quality to it. Once they meet, Ox and Rat will likely end up together without needing to explore the dating scene any further, and they’ll decide to marry before too long.
Rat is sensitive, while Ox is hardworking and dedicated to their partner, so their personalities complement each other in the best of ways and will provide the love that both crave in a romantic relationship.
Worst Matches: Horse, Goat
Ox and Horse: These two may come together easily, but their pairing is not meant for the long term and will be characterized by frequent fights and disagreements enough to wear away any initial affection.
Ox prefers a quiet and stable lifestyle, while Horse yearns for freedom, leading both to consider parting ways once the initial passion dies away. Unfortunately, fit is more important than attraction in a long-term relationship.
Ox and Goat: Both of these signs are characterized by the Earth element, although strangely, this leads to a “muddying” of boundaries instead of understanding. Even if the relationship lasts, it’ll likely turn codependent, to both parties’ detriment.
These mild personalities are both stubborn, and neither will be likely to give way when they quarrel. The Ox may try to show that they care, but the Goat will find this suffocating and annoying.
Careers fit for the Chinese Zodiac Ox
Oxen thrive in a stable yet interesting career environment, where they will be able to realize their meaning in life, which is usually the pursuit of excellence instead of attaining social status or wealth alone.
In work, Oxen’s greatest asset is their patience. They will choose a career path and single-mindedly invest in their future. This strong sense of responsibility makes Oxen perfect for many jobs that others cannot take on.
In general, Oxen prefer jobs that require a steady build-up of skills and knowledge with long-term effort. On the other hand, anything that requires Oxen to be flexible or cunning will likely cause them foreseeable difficulties.
Best careers for Oxen
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Doctor
-
Social worker
-
Teacher
-
Government worker
-
Military
Worst careers for Oxen
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Journalism
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Sales
-
Stock Broker
-
Artist
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Real Estate
Health and Lifestyle Advice for Oxen
Oxen are usually solidly built, with a robust, almost rude health enhanced by their natural inclination to live a well-regulated life—three square meals a day, no smoking or drinking, and in bed by 10 p.m.
They are also not usually affected by others’ and society’s opinions and, therefore, have few negative emotions to work through, giving them the mind and body they need to pour themselves into work with abandon.
Ox and the 12 Zodiac Animals (Origin Story)
Each Chinese zodiac sign has an origin story or myth involving a race that explains the animals’ placement. The Ox, with its single-minded diligence, almost won and became the first zodiac animal if it wasn’t for the Rat!
Chinese legend records a race across the heavenly river, organized by the Jade Emperor, to see which animals would become a zodiac. Beforehand, the Rat asked if it could ride on the Ox’s back.
The Rat promised to keep an eye on their competitors. The Ox swam as hard as possible and had nearly won when the Rat leaped across the finish line and became the undeserving winner over Ox.
Famous People Born in the Year of the Ox
Rather than shooting to stardom, famous Oxen would most likely be known for their steady, quality work over many years.
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George Clooney, May 6, 1961, Metal Ox
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Cristiano Ronaldo: February 5, 1985, Wood Ox
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Heidi Klum: June 1, 1973, Water Ox
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Kylie Jenner: August 10, 1997, Fire Ox
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Meryl Streep: June 22, 1949, Earth Ox
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Princess Diana, July 1, 1961, Metal Ox
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Dustin Hoffman, August 8, 1937, Fire Ox
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Margaret Thatcher, October 13, 1925, Wood Ox
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Barack Obama, August 4, 1961, Metal Ox
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Walt Disney, December 5, 1901, Metal Ox
Ox’s Horoscope for 2024 (Year of the Dragon)
The Ox usually enjoys a peaceful and simple life, but 2024 isn’t slated to be such a year for them since it’s their year of “Fan Tai Sui”—or offending the God of Tai Sui.
This is the year when the Ox cannot lay low as they usually do but must work hard just to maintain the status quo. Find out how to combat the negative influence of Tai Sui below.
Ox’s 2024 Love and Relationships Forecast
The Ox’s romantic life won’t be stellar in 2024, but it won’t be too difficult either since the auspicious Tai Yin star is in their corner to provide some much-needed appeasement for the Tai Sui.
Single Oxen stand a good chance to meet a variety of potential love interests. If they can lower their inflexible standard somewhat, they may still end the year on a positive note with someone special.
Paired-off and married Oxen must face a myriad of conflicts in their relationship. Whatever you do, Ox, please don’t avoid your partner and increase their resentment over time. Actually, facing your problems together is advised.
Career Prospects for Ox in 2024
The Ox’s career may stall in 2024 at best. In addition, there is one more minor inauspicious aspect in your quarter, making you emotionally drained and seemingly unable to throw yourself into work with your usual energy.
You may find yourself prone to minor errors throughout the year, and your work performance will be lackluster as a result. Management won’t be thrilled, and this only adds to the pressure you already must face, Ox.
Thankfully, “Tian De” is redeeming you in this area, lending you much-needed professional help in the guise of a mentor or an understanding superior. By year-end, you at least won’t lose any career progress.
Ox’s Wealth and Finance in 2024
Unfortunately, wealth and finance are where Tai Sui will hit Oxen the hardest in 2024. As careful and methodical as the Ox is in life, they’ll have to face major expenses due to unforeseen circumstances.
It’ll help to take extra precautions—lock your doors and keep your stuff close. Thankfully, a minor auspicious star promises that each time you run into trouble, it’ll resolve with a little time and effort.
By the way, thank your frugal self in previous years, Ox, for you wouldn’t be who you are without abundant savings, and this is a year when that financial cushioning will help you go far.
Health Predictions for Oxen in 2024
Accidents—mostly minor, thankfully—will be more likely for the Ox this year, so we must advise for prudence. Stay out of dangerous situations, and do look both ways when you cross the street, Ox!
You usually don’t have to do much to maintain your health, but this year you would be well-served to work out and build up your physique to stave off minor ailments and discomforts in 2024.
Oxen have the tendency to be homebodies at times. But jogging in the park or going hiking will not only mean exercising your body but also relaxing your stressed-out psyche in 2024 when surprises abound.