The Year of the Ox - the earth Ox

Today is the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Ox. 2009, according to Wu Xing, is an Earth year and so today is the start of the Earth Ox year.

The Ox

The Ox is yin in polarity and associated with the element of water. People born in this year will have Oynx as a birthstone.

Ox is a hallmark of quite hardwork and stalwart determination. People born in the Year of the Ox are often born to lead. Although they can be quite they are dependable and naturally achieve what they need to achieve. Despite success, the Ox often remains modest, calm and tireless. However, those born to the Year of the Ox sometimes need quiet and time to reach their goals and once set on a target they can be tenacious in reaching it.

Ox tend to be grounded in common sense and logical. Although security is important them so is kindness and care. The Ox enjoys helping other people and dislikes being in debt or flying by wire.

Earth

Earth is balanced yin and yang and equally masculine and feminine. Earth, like the Ox (which is a water associated animal) represents hard work, patience but also stubbornness.

People born in the Year of the Earth Ox are especially likely to be hard workers but also prone to being stubborn.

Love compatibility for the Year of the Ox

The Ox is most compatible with people born in the Year of the Snake, Rooster or Rat.

How to celebrate the Chinese New Year

Have a clean house – It is considered wise to sweep away any bad luck that might have built up during the previous year
Decorate – Red is a lucky colour. It is common to hang red paper decorations on winds and doors.
Don’t clean for a day or so – Avoid sweeping away the good luck the new year brings, don’t clean for the first day or two
Offer a Nian Gao to the Kitchen God – Leave a Chinese sticky cake out for Zao Jun
Gift packets of money – Give a little money wrapped in red paper to children
Use a Tray of Togetherness – A circular or octagonal shaped tray with eight compartments filled with symbolic foods