We would never think to name a year after a domesticated animal, but then again we’re not from the land of Long Duk Dong, either.
Anyway, 2009 is the “Year of the Ox” (or Yi Chou) according to the Chinese calendar, which basically takes twelve animals and five elements and sort of rotates them around every year according to the alignment of the stars.
Actually, it’s probably a lot more involved than that but whatever. You get the point.
Specifically, though, 2009 is the year of the “Earth Ox” (as opposed to the fire, wood, metal or water oxen) and it technically doesn’t start until January 26.
So if you didn’t get laid last night, you’ve got another chance …
The “Earth Ox” is “resolute, enduring, motivated by patience, is focused and genuine,” according to the website Paranormality.com, which is good because the Year of the Ox “is one in which success will escape without a sustained, mindful effort.”
“The sort of problems that are encountered in the year of the Ox tend to be home front problems that seem to be never ending,” we’re told. “The Ox year needs discipline and it is not the time for unruly behavior or taking short cuts. In this year success is achieved solely through hard work.”
Well sh*t.
The last year of the “Earth Ox” was in 1950, in case you were wondering. You probably weren’t, but there it is anyway.
So Happy Year of the Ox, people … don’t do anything we wouldn’t do …
By smart Kid Grant January 2, 2009 at 1:24 pm
1950 was also home to the start of McCarthyism, establishment of the International Police Association, the hydrogen bomb is ordered to be built, USSR claims to have its first atomic bomb, californium is created, Apartheid is passed in South Africa, European Union is proposed, Korean war starts, Beetle Bailey is created, Peanuts is introduced, Shirley Temple announces retirement.
Happy Year of the Earth Ox!!!