The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, happened on Feb. 12. It’s a new beginning for those who solely observe this holiday, and an additional beginning for those who also observed the New Year on Jan. 1. 2021.  According to the Chinese Zodiac calendar, 2021 is the year of the Ox.  

Some past years of the Ox include 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 and 2009, so if you were born in one of those years, this might help you prepare for what lies ahead. There are 12 animals associated with the Chinese Zodiac, and the Ox is placed second. Oxen represent hard work, discipline and stubbornness.    

The name “Lunar New Year” derives from the first new moon of the lunisolar calendars traditional to many east Asian countries including China, South Korea and Vietnam, which are regulated by the cycles of the moon and sun. As with many winter solstice celebrations, the symbolic darkness of night is banished by the light of fireworks, lanterns and candles. A 15-day celebration is held that entails parades, dragon dancing and gift-giving. When commemorating the Lunar New Year for the rest of the year:  

Include…                                        

Lucky numbers: 1 and 9  

Lucky colors: red, blue purple  

Lucky Flowers: tulip, evergreen, peach blossom 

Lucky Directions: southeast, south, north 

Avoid…  

Unlucky numbers: 3 and 4  

Unlucky colors: white and green  

Unlucky direction: northeast  

For general believers, this year is meant to be prosperous on the relationship front. So, take some time to figure out your love language and the love languages of those around you. Those interested in finance should be happy to know that this year’s economic front is abundant, “…no explosive or catastrophic events will occur, so it is a favorable year for economic recovery or consolidation, a year of long-term investments (especially for creating a reserve stock for the coming unproductive years),” according to theChineseZodiac.org 

Famous people born in the year of the Ox include: Napoléon Bonaparte, Walt Disney, Barack Obama, Gerald Ford, George Clooney, Vincent Van Gogh, Princess Diana and Richard Nixon. 

For those who are born in the year of the Ox, you will face some obstacles within your finances, health, career and education. It’s advised that you prioritize your mental health and exercise but in moderation. To avoid or lessen the blow, try to incorporate your “lucky” elements (listed above) in your daily life. Until new predictions arise in 2022, the year of the Tiger, you’re stuck between the good and the bad.