In Chinese culture, the Ox is a valued animal. Because of its role in agriculture, positive characteristics, such as being hardworking and honest, are attributed to it.
Johannesburg, South Africa (08 February 2021) – Chinese New Year Festivities kick off on Friday 12th February when the Year of the Rat comes to an end, and the Year of The Ox starts.
According to the Chinese lunar calendar, this signals the beginning of spring and the start of a new year. New Year is the most celebrated Chinese holiday, observed worldwide and is marked with a week-long holiday, family reunions, and fireworks.
The Ox is the second of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Ox was about to be the first to arrive, but Rat tricked Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox. Thus, Ox became the second animal. In Chinese culture, the Ox is a valued animal. Because of its role in agriculture, positive characteristics, such as being hardworking and honest, are attributed to it.
Similar to Christmas and Hannukah in other countries, people exchange gifts during the Spring Festival. Chinese tradition sees the exchange of New Year red envelopes with Lucky Money. The colour red symbolising luck, joy, and happiness.