Chinese Zodiac animals: What is a Metal Ox and what year is it?
MANY people are often keen to read up about their western astrology star sign, to find out how their traits match up.
But the Chinese zodiac also claims to offer a rare insight into each person's character, matching you up with one of 12 animals depending on when you were born in the lunar calendar.
Next year, from February 12, it will officially be the year of the 'Metal Ox' - the second of all zodiac animals.
But when else has the year of the Metal Ox fallen, and what does it say about you if you fall into that category?
What year is the Metal Ox?
Being second, the Ox is associated with the hours 1-3 in the morning.
According to one Chinese myth, the order of the animals in the zodiac cycle was decided by what order the animals arrived at a party thrown by the Jade Emperor.
Read more Chinese Zodiacs
The Ox fell behind the rat after it was tricked into giving the smaller creature a ride, the myth claims.
If you were born between February 15, 1961, and February 4, 1962, you're officially a 'Metal Ox' according to the Chinese zodiac signs.
Meanwhile, anyone born between February 12, 2021, and January 31, 2022, will also be one.
Chinese zodiac signs in order
- 🐀 Rat
- 🐂 Ox
- 🐅 Tiger
- 🐇 Rabbit
- 🐲 Dragon
- 🐍 Snake
- 🐎 Horse
- 🐐 Goat
- 🐒 Monkey
- 🐓 Rooster
- 🐕 Dog
- 🐖 Pig
Other years of the Ox
People born within the following years can be said to have been born in the year of the 'Metal Ox': 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, and 2021.
Most read in Horoscopes
Celebrities to have been born in the year of the Ox more generally include Carole Baskin and Barack Obama - and both fall into the year of the Metal Ox specifically.
Characteristics and Personality Traits of the Metal Ox
Oxes are known for diligence, dependability, strength and determination. Having an honest nature, Oxes are strongly patriotic, have ideals and ambitions for life, and attach importance to family and work.
This character is stronger than the earth's core. Feisty and they tell it like it is. They take no prisoners and have so much inherent energy.
Their best quality by far is they get things done. Even if they have to abandon delegation and get their mitts dirty, they’ll get the job done.
Types of Oxes
Metal Ox: Hardworking, active, always busy, and popular among friends.
Water Ox: Hardworking, ambitious, tenacious, and able to endure hardship, with a strong sense of justice and keen observational abilities.
Wood Ox: Restless, decisive, straightforward, and always ready to defend the weak and helpless.
Fire Ox: Short-sighted, selfish, narrow-minded, impersonal, but practical.
Earth Ox: Honest and prudent, with a strong sense of responsibility.
Compatibility
The Ox is said to be most compatible with the Rat, the Snake and the Rooster - with the Rat, in particular, sharing similar goals in life, according to the .
While Snakes are thought to offer "warmth, romance and support in work", Roosters have a "soft and loving heart".
They are warned to avoid Goats, Horses and Dogs, however, as it's claimed they aren't the most compatible with each other.
How do you match up?
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Other types of Zodiac animals combined with the Metal element