I am born in the Year of the Ox.

Do you like Chinese mythology?

Do you know which zodiac animal you are?

I will be writing a series of stories where I will talk about the twelve different Chinese zodiac animals. I will share some of my observations and fun facts about my friends and family that are born in those years.

Recap:

Before adapting to the twenty-four-hour clock in western culture, in Ancient China, they used to divide a day into twelve periods. Each period is about two hours long and is named with the twelve earthly branches. When talking about the twelve zodiac animals, you will see the earthly branches written with the animals. Its purpose serves as a numerical number and also tells the time and date of the Lunar Calendar.

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Ox 丑牛 (chǒu niú)

Ox is the second animal in the twelve zodiacs.

Ox (niú) is associated with the second earthly branch (chǒu) which is from 1:00 am to 3:00 am.

From the story of the race to the Heavenly Gate, the Ox came in second place because the Rat jumped off his head when they were approaching the Jade Emperor. That being said, the Ox is also an early riser because he started to go very early in the morning too. Some people believe that the hours associated with the Ox is related to the time that they start working in the farms.

Many countries and cultures worship the ox. Ancient Egyptians and Persians believed that their ancestors were related to the oxen. Some ancient ethnic minority groups in China use the ox as their totem for worship.

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People who are born in the Year of the Ox (2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, etc.) are known to be hardworking, diligent, honest, persistent, determined and also have a lot of patience. Sometimes they have troubles communicating with others and a little narrow-minded but have a strong sense of responsibility.

I think that really describes me and my characteristics. My friends always compliment me that I have a great amount of patience. I also agree that it is hard for me to communicate sometimes because I am too straightforward and lack sensitivity. As the set rep (student representative) of my class, I do have a strong sense of responsibility and I actually enjoy it.

My friends who are born in the same year as me will connect very well together because we have many similar characteristics. I have a cousin that is born twelve years before me and he is very hardworking and diligent. He cares for his family and as the oldest child, he takes on great responsibility.