Friday May 15, 2026
Bing Wu Year, Gui Si Month, Ji Chou Day

Year of the Ox

牛 (niú)
year of the ox

The stable and reliable Ox people are usually trusted by their superiors because they are faithful, kind and work in an orderly way. Oxen, in lack of humor and romance, mostly reach success late in life and feature an indomitable character and a strong logical thinking. Their wisdom and skills are often covered up by the taciturnity but once given a chance, they can become dignified and eloquent orators, do what they want wholeheartedly and never give up halfway. Therefore, people of Ox sign are the typical realist.

  • 牛 (niú)
  • Chou (丑)
  • Yin
  • Earth (Tu)
  • Akasagarbha, The Buddha of Boundless Space
  • Southeast
  • West
  • East

Things that will bring ox luck:

  • 1, 9
  • Blue, Yellow, Purple
  • East, Southeast, South
  • Tulip, Evergreen, Peach blossom
  • Aquamarine

Things that ox should avoid:

  • 3, 4
  • White, Green
  • Southwest

Ox Years

Year When Stem-Branch Element Yin Yang
1925 Jan.24, 1925 – Feb.12, 1926 Yi Chou Wood Yin
1937 Feb.11, 1937 – Jan.31, 1938 Ding Chou Fire Yin
1949 Jan.29, 1949 – Feb.16, 1950 Ji Chou Earth Yin
1961 Feb.15, 1961 – Feb.4, 1962 Xin Chou Metal Yin
1973 Feb.3, 1973 – Jan.22, 1974 Gui Chou Water Yin
1985 Feb.19, 1985 – Feb.8, 1986 Yi Chou Wood Yin
1997 Feb.7, 1997 – Jan.27, 1998 Ding Chou Fire Yin
2009 Jan.26, 2009 – Feb.13, 2010 Ji Chou Earth Yin
2021 Feb.12, 2021 – Jan.31, 2022 Xin Chou Metal Yin

Ox Love Compatibility

In terms of love relationship, Oxen are neither proactive nor good-tempered; instead, they are very stubborn, passionate and emotional inside, and lack a sense of romance, thus make others feel they are lonely. Even if they have a crush on someone, they would not take the initiative to pursue. In this way, they miss a lot of good things, which is really a pity!
  • Best with: Rat, Monkey, or Rooster.
  • Worst with: Tiger, Dragon, Horse, or Goat.

Ox in 2026

2026 for the Ox  - Year of Harming Tai Sui, Prioritize Harmony
Those born in the Year of the Ox will encounter the "harming Tai Sui" phase in 2026, testing interpersonal relationships. Workplace challenges may include encountering people who secretly obstruct progress. It is advisable to handle important matters personally and avoid over-relying on others. Financially, regular income is acceptable, but speculative gains are unlikely. Avoid guaranteeing loans for others or engaging in large lending. Romantic prospects for singles may be unremarkable, while married individuals should maintain appropriate boundaries with the opposite sex to prevent misunderstandings. Health-wise, focus on gastrointestinal issues and sleep quality. Moderate exercise can help alleviate stress.

The Fate Code of Ox Born in Different Years

Not all Ox years are the same. According to the Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches, and the "Nayin" Five Elements, each Ox year, occurring every 12 years, has its unique "destiny." Do you want to know which kind of Ox you or someone around you is? Check out their fate code below!
 
1949 (Ji Chou Year): The Ox in the Stable
Nayin Five Elements: Thunder Fire
 
Personality & Fate: Steady and reliable by nature, diligent and hardworking. Encounters some hardships in early years but enjoys blessings in middle and later years. Husband and wife grow old together, with harmonious family relationships. Women of this sign are gentle and virtuous, capable of managing the household well.
 
1961 (Xin Chou Year): The Ox by the River
Nayin Five Elements: Wall Earth
 
Personality & Fate: Strong-willed and persevering, possessing leadership qualities. Suitable for working in government or large organizations, slow but steady career advancement. Spouses are compatible and respectful, with children who are filial and successful. Great fortune in later years, enjoying both wealth and longevity.
 
1973 (Gui Chou Year): The Ox in the Valley
Nayin Five Elements: Mulberry Wood
 
Personality & Fate: Kind-hearted and tolerant by nature, but sometimes overly stubborn. Encounters frequent job changes in early years, but financial luck improves steadily after middle age. Prefers to bear responsibilities alone, can gain support from a virtuous spouse, but has average relationships with siblings and relatives.
 
1985 (Yi Chou Year): The Ox on the Ridge
Nayin Five Elements: Sea Metal
 
Personality Traits: Down-to-earth and practical, patient and persistent, but sometimes too cautious, leading to missed opportunities.
 
Life Destiny: May experience financial instability in early years but accumulates assets after age 35. Family ties are moderate—neither too close nor too distant—but friendships are loyal and long-lasting. They possess both resilience and foresight, suitable for careers in finance, real estate, or agriculture. If they can learn to adapt flexibly, middle age (after 40) will be their peak career period. In marriage, spouses understand each other's strengths and weaknesses, building a stable and fulfilling life together.
 
1997 (Ding Chou Year): The Ox in the Meadow
Nayin Five Elements: Ravine Water
 
Personality Traits: Steady yet enterprising, with a strong sense of responsibility and execution, but sometimes inflexible, yet sincere at heart. They appear calm and reserved on the surface but are passionate and idealistic inside, good at long-term planning.
 
Life Destiny: Luck is average in early years, requiring gradual accumulation of experience; after age 30, they steadily rise, with prosperous fortune in later years. However, they must remember that "the nail that sticks up gets hammered down" and that modesty and caution are the keys to long-term success.
 
Special Note: Women are relatively gentle and persuasive, while men may be more traditional and principled.
 
2009 (Ji Chou Year): The Ox in the Stable
Nayin Five Elements: Thunder Fire
 
Personality Traits: Calm and thoughtful by nature, proficient in both practical skills and interpersonal harmony, capable of being both gentle and firm, with great patience. Stable and sincere in personality, strong endurance, tactful yet principled in dealing with people.
 
Life Destiny: Although talented, they need to rely on their own steady efforts to build a career, as family support is limited. Career development will be gradually smooth, with moderate wealth accumulation, but attention should be paid to digestive system health. Spouses are supportive, and later years are stable and fulfilling—a destiny for lasting success.
 
2021 (Xin Chou Year): The Ox by the River
Nayin Five Elements: Wall Earth
 
Personality & Fate: Respectful and disciplined by nature, lacking nothing in food and clothing throughout life. They are thorough in everything they do, can turn dangers into safety, and often receive help from noble people. Good at managing finances, capable of bringing prosperity to the family.