Today is the beginning (Chinese lunar New Year Day) of Chinese New Year, 2021 — the year of the Ox. The year of the Ox begins today (February 12) and lasts until January 30, 2022.
The Chinese Zodiac consists of 12 animals and the Ox occupies the second position. (The 12 zodiac animals, in order, are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.)
Even though China has officially moved to the Gregorian calendar, like the rest of the world, the lunar calendar is still really important in China. The Chinese still celebrate all traditional holidays as well as days such as the Winter Solstice. Some people still calculate their birthdays and ages according to the lunar calendar, too.
The Chinese have a saying that there’s no manners and/or etiquette without wine. Obviously, Chinese people love drinking and they always have wine for every ceremony, festival or important dinner. There’s wine for engagement dinners, weddings, birthdays and, obviously, the Spring Festival. When you’re eating with someone older than you, as is the case with New Year’s dinners, you need to follow strict toasting etiquette rules. They include the order of toasts, seating, and how you hold the glass, etc.
Your benming year is the year of your zodiac animal — and of the 12 year cycle, it the unluckiest for you. So if you were born in the year of the ox, be aware. There are multiple explanations for this. The Chinese believe that children can easily be taken by demons, and your benming year is your rebirth year. During the year, your weapon of defense is the color red. Just as you can decorate your home in red for protection and fortune, you can also wear red clothing.
People born in the year of the ox have an honest nature and are known for diligence, dependability, strength and determination. Women oxes are traditional, faithful wives, who attach great importance to their children’s education. Male oxes are strongly patriotic, have ideals and ambitions for life, and attach importance to family and work. People of the ox zodiac sign often enjoy great success. Oxes are weakest in their communication skills. They are not good at communicating with others, and even think it is not worthwhile to exchange ideas with others. They are stubborn and stick to their own ways.
This will be the first year I can remember that we haven’t “eaten out” on Chinese New Year — but the celebration will still be the same…. Always welcome the new morning with a new spirit, smile on your face, love in your heart and good thoughts in your mind.
Happy (Chinese) New Year!!
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