No sooner have I recovered from Christmas and New Year then Chinese New Year comes rumbling in around the corner on January 26 with the Year of the Ox (2008 was the Year of the Rat—my year, but it was bleh) I’ll be on holiday from January 25 to 29; less than a week, but I’ll take every break I can get. Again this will be another occasion where food and drink will be abundant, but of the Chinese variety. Don’t worry, I plan to squeeze in some pizza somewhere.
Unlike the Western horoscope, which is based on a monthly cycle, the Chinese horoscope is based on a 12-year animal cycle. Here’s the story in a nutshell, quoted from Infoplease:
Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal’s year would have some of that animal’s personality.
Want to find out which animal year you were born in? Glad you asked.
And here’s a quick rundown of your personality. I never take this stuff seriously, it’s just for fun. But (ahem) the traits of the Rat do apply to me 
- Rat: quick-witted, smart, charming, and persuasive
- Ox: patient, kind, stubborn, and conservative
- Tiger: authoritative, emotional, courageous, and intense
- Rabbit: popular, compassionate, and sincere
- Dragon: energetic, fearless, warm-hearted, and charismatic
- Snake: charming, gregarious, introverted, generous, and smart
- Horse: energetic, independent, impatient, and enjoy traveling
- Sheep: mild-mannered, shy, kind, and peace-loving
- Monkey: fun, energetic, and active
- Rooster: independent, practical, hard-working, and observant
- Dog: patient, diligent, generous, faithful, and kind
- Pig: loving, tolerant, honest, and appreciative of luxury
The above personality traits are from Infoplease.
Famous people born in the Year of the Ox include Barack Obama, Warren Beatty, Jon Bon Jovi, Jeff Bridges, Richard Burton, Barbara Cartland, Charlie Chaplin, Bill Cosby, Sammy Davis Jr, Walt Disney, Dustin Hoffman, Anthony Hopkins, Don Johnson, Jane Fonda, Jack Lemmon, Heather Locklear, Eddie Murphy, Jessica Lange, Paul Newman, Jack Nicholson, Robert Redford, Rod Steiger, Peter Sellers, Sissy Spacek, Bruce Springsteen, and Meryl Streep.
Tags: Chinese New Year, Year of the Ox
I think they reversed me (Monkey) and my male offspring (Dog). He’s the one with the energy these days. I’m really hoping some of those traits are ones that come with maturity and he’ll learn a few more of them as the years go on…..
Yes, Doris, hopefully he will. These teenagers seem to have a mind of their own, don’t they?
Should have known, Joshua is also a geek, oops! I mean, a rat…
Yes, Michelle. Geeks and rats have been known to congregate together…
umm where is my name under the famous list?
Blog’s looking very nice Philip!
Oops, sorry I forgot to include your name, Sarah. Seriously, were you born in the year of the Ox? And thanks for the kind comments about my blog.
Ekkk what’s with the black Philip noooo put it back was loving the way it was looked so professional. So hard to read now …….
I’m never one to disappoint my readers, Sarah, so your wish is my command. Thank you for the feedback. It helps a lot to know what readers like and dislike about my blog. Please keep the comments coming!