DAAN Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture

According to the Chinese horoscope, the year you were born influences your character.

Each animal represents a unique set of traits. The animal of our birth year is thought to define and influence us as, according to a Chinese saying, it “hides in our heart.” For example, if you were born in the Year of the Ox, you are considered to be patient, dependable and to inspire confidence in others. (Coincidentally, President Barack Obama was born a metal ox; Be sure to check out the Gate’s Lunar New Year page for more articles and event information!)

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Ox – Years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009; Characteristics: Honest, patient, dependable, self-sacrificing, stubborn and conservative. The Ox is most happy when left alone to his own devices. You can trust that an Ox will always finish the task at hand despite having a slow start. They are good friends with Snakes and Roosters, but at ends with Goats.

Some interesting facts about the year of the Ox:

1. Bullish on Obama

President Obama, who has pledged to begin rehabilitating the economy, was born in an ox year. Those born in this year achieve through hard work and routine.

2. True blues

The ox, according to Chinese astrology, is the best friend you could choose. So are ox celebrities Meryl Streep, George Clooney, Dustin Hoffman, Jane Fonda and Warren Beatty good to their friends? Other ox celebrities include Meg Ryan, Bruce Springsteen, Bill Cosby, Robert Redford and Jim Carrey.

3. Know thy Ox

Ox lucky numbers, according to an online horoscope, are 1, 3, 5, 12, 15, 33, 35, 51 and 53. Ox careers include composer, landlord, doctor, cook, police officer, teacher, judge, banker, insurance broker and gardener.

Interesting information about the Chinese zodiac:

The ox carried the rat, who pushed the cat, who nearly drowned and lost the race in a popular legend behind the Chinese Zodiac, an ancient system steeped in lore that both puzzles and enthralls around the world.

This year, the 15-day Chinese New Year begins Jan. 26, ushering in the Year of the Ox. But why does the year begin then, and why are the years marked by roosters and dragons and pigs?

The Chinese Zodiac is said to follow the stations of Jupiter’s orbit around the sun, which is just shy of 12 years. The animals mark years in a 12-year cycle that begins with rat, followed by ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and boar.

Why they fall that way has a colorful past.

One story has Buddha inviting all the animals in the kingdom to a meeting. In another, it’s the Jade Emperor holding a great banquet. Some animals outwit others to get there first, with their places in the zodiac assigned according to when they arrived.

A third legend is more like “The Amazing Race,” with plotting and scratching and clawing in a competition that includes a river crossing followed by a gathering at the emperor’s palace. The kindly ox agrees to carry the scheming rat and the cat across the water on his back, but the rat betrays his friend the cat by pushing him into a swift current and hops off the ox to claim the top spot.

Always, the cat and the rat were once best friends but wind up mortal enemies after the cat fails to make the top 12.

Millions of people consult horoscopes around the world, including China. The animal of your birth year defines and influences you as it “hides in your heart” for the rest of your life, a Chinese saying goes. In addition to dictating individual destiny and personality, some believe the animal influences events through the year.

January 26 is the first day of Chinese New Year. Dumplings are a traditional way to celebrate the new year:

Next Sunday night and Monday, as Chinese the world over gather to celebrate the Year of the Ox, firecrackers will scare away evil spirits, bright red banners hung on doorways will convey good wishes for the months ahead, and pan-fried and steamed dumplings stuffed with juicy meat and vegetable fillings will be devoured by the thousands.

Although there are many Chinese New Year delicacies, dumplings have become the food most closely associated with this grand festival. Many families serve dumplings for the midnight snack, a meal on Sunday night that welcomes in the New Year. Chinese who abstain from eating meat stuff savory pastries with ornate vegetarian fillings. Of all the numerous varieties of dumplings, xiaolongbao, also known as Shanghai soupy buns, have become the most desirable – perhaps because of the delicious spurt of hot juices that fill your mouth at first bite (watch your shirt fronts and ties!) or the dipping sauce of mellow black vinegar with delicate fresh ginger slivers. In most regions, the dumplings are considered a type of “dian xin” (dim sum), or snack, but they can also become the main course when served in quantities with a side vegetable or soup.