2021 is the Year of the Ox, the Year of the Metal Ox to be more precise. So what does it mean? Each of the twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac has unique characteristics and each
year corresponds to one animal. 2021 corresponds to the Ox.
In addition to the twelve year cycle corresponding to each of the animals in the Chinese Zodiac, there are Five Elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) which are associated with their own "life force" or "chi".
This energy blends with the corresponding animal to determine that year's fortune.
In 2021, the corresponding element is Metal as it was in 2020.
Metal is of course also associated with the precious metals of gold and silver, The Year of the Metal Ox is therefore also referred as as the Year of the White Ox, the Year of the Golden Cow and also Year of the Metal Bull.
So what happens when you mix the Ox with the Metal Element?
The Ox is patient, hardworking and dependable. Oxen are known for their stamina and strength. They are determined and put their hearts into anything they set their minds to. You can expect an Ox to always give 100%.
The Ox is the second animal in the Chinese Calendar 12-year cycle. Do you know how the animals got their order in the Chinese Zodiac? Legend has it that in order to determine the order, a race was held. The Ox being the strong, hardworking and determined of the bunch was ahead and set to win the race; however, in the end, it came in second. What happened? You can read the story here and find out who outsmarted our hardworking Ox.
The Metal element, by its very nature, denotes strength, fortitude, stability... Metal seeks to reinforce and invigorate, it provides needed support and reinforcement. It is also associated with the qualities of gold and silver, denoting good fortune.
A Metal Ox Year combines an already diligent and strong Ox with the robust, firm and wealthy characteristics of Metal, it heralds a year of incessant energy, effectiveness and abundance! Take advantage of the toughness and vitality of the Metal element to accomplish your best work. Between the perseverance of the Ox and the fortitude of Metal, get the needed boost and enjoy a year of great success and productivity.
What to watch out for? The laser focus and determination of the Ox can lead to stubborness and an unyielding approach which may result in missed opportunities. This will be a very dynamic and intense year, don't miss the forest for the trees, try to strike a good balance and don't let that bullheadedness set in.
After a wild and erratic Year of the Rat, the Year of the Ox brings much needed balance and strength. This is the time to be persistent and tireless, to tackle all ventures with the energy and stamina of the Ox. Here's to a gratifying, booming and prosperous Year of the Ox!
Babies born in the Year of the Ox

If your baby is born in the Year of the Ox, he or she will assume the characteristics of the Ox: Oxen are reliable, honest and hardworking. They are very active and although always busy and popular among friends and colleagues, they do not seek the limelight. They let their hard work speak for themselves.
Metal Oxen take it another notch, besides being hardworking and efficient, the Metal characteristic will lend even more intensity and endurance. Metal Ox babies approach every endeavor with stamina and determination. They will accomplish anything they set their minds to.
Babies born in the Ox year are dependable and diligent and put family and friends above all. They are confident and self-assured, however, that quiet self-assurance may turn into an unyielding attitude. In fact, Oxen can be quite hardheaded and stubborn. You will have a very active and strongheaded Metal Ox Baby in your hands!
To be born in the Year of the Ox, babies will have to be born from February 12, 2021 to January 31, 2022, the last day of the Ox lunar year. If the baby is born on or before February 11, 2021, he or she will be a Rat Baby, if born on or after February 1st, 2022, the baby will be a Tiger Baby.
The next Year of the Metal Ox will be in another 60 years.
Get ready for a cheerful and exciting new year and...
to you and your loved ones!
Writing the Chinese Character for Ox
The OX Chinese character is as simple as it gets! Unlike last year's Rat Symbol made up of 13 strokes, the OX is a simple 4-stroke character. Just follow the order and direction of these 4 simple strokes for the Chinese Character for OX:
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