Welcome to the Year of The Ox
The dates of Chinese Years are not the same as our calendar year. So the last Year of the Ox ran from the 26th of January 2009 until the 13th of February 2010 - whilst this one starts on the 12th of February and runs through to the 31st of January 2022 - whilst the next one will be in 2033. The reason why it differs is that it is based on the Chinese Lunar Calendar which can run for either twelve or thirteen months, and have between 354 and 384 days.
There is a legend about the ox which proves its kind forgiving nature. Apparently the animals had a race and the rat begged the ox to give him a lift on his back, then, as they neared the finishing line, the rat leapt off and scurried over, coming in first, and winning the honour of being the first zodiac sign. However the ox then gained his reputation, of being kind, helpful, and honest - characteristics which supposedly pass to those born under his sign. |
Courtesy of Dennis Owyang
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