Today marks the beginning of Chinese New Year, and this one is the year of the Ox.

It begins on February 12, 2021 and goes until January 31, 2022.

So why Year of the Ox?

In Chinese culture, an animal is assigned to each of the 12 zodiacs. These animals are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

The zodiac was determined by a mythological race run by 12 animals. According to folklore, the hardworking Ox set off before the others and gives a free ride to the Rat who is unable to cross a river in order to complete the race. As the race nears its end, the Rat jumps off the Ox and sprints past the finishing line ahead of the Ox who loses because of his kindness.

To the Chinese people the Ox symbolises hard work. People’s Daily, a Chinese digital news portal, writes: “The ox’s image has penetrated into Chinese culture due to its fundamental role in almost every aspect of life. The ox is crowned as the God of Sheji ( which means the “god of soil and food”), who stole seeds from Heaven to free earthly dwellers below from hunger.

“The affection and reverence afforded to the Ox has extended to everyday life as well with traditions having regularly been held to worship the animal. Deeply rooted in Chinese culture, the Ox’s image and singular spirit has become a distinct mark of Chinese people’s embrace of hard work and their aspiration for the good life.

Last year, during the New Year celebration, President Xi Jinping called on his people to promote the spirit (diligence, steadfastness, tenacity) of the Ox in swerving China, driving innovative development and working hard. He said the unique characteristics of the Ox personify the qualities of the Chinese people.