Year of Ox
Lunar New year, Chinese Chunjie, Vietnamese Tet, Korean Solnal, Tibetan Losar, and spring festival celebrated in China and other Asian countries that begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, 15 days later.
This is the year of the Ox, for the Chinese New year, being the symbol of hardworking attitudes and reliability because of its role in agriculture. The Lantern Festival otherwise known as the Spring Lantern Festival begins on the 15th day of the first lunar month. The years in the Chinese calendar are divided into 12-year cycles, meaning the next Year of the Ox will occur in 12 years’ time. Last year was the year of the Rat the first animal on the Chinese Zodiac and Ox is second in the cycle. According to myth, the Jade Emperor organised a race for a group of animals on his birthday, the results of which determined the order of the Chinese Zodiac.
The legend goes that the rat was able to hitch a ride on the back of the ox, jumping off at the finish line in order to win first place and be named the first animal in the cycle. According to another myth those born in the Year of the Ox including 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, and 2009 are known for being diligent, persistent, and honest.
The Chinese New Year is celebrated in countries across the world including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. In London, due to pandemic lockdown, the celebrations are subdued as the organisers are urging people to follow lockdown rules and stay at home.