Year of the Ox – A Load of Bull?

Here at burningpants we like to think of ourselves as men (and women) of science.

Yet centuries of Chinese professors, academics and prognosticators and their research on the Chinese Lunar Calendar bear some consideration as we begin this tough year.

However before we look at the year ahead, the Year of the Ox, let’s reflect on 2008, the Year of the Rat, to see if the expectations of 12 months under the rat rang true?

To be honest, using the wonder that is Google, it was difficult to find a single chain of thought dated a year or more ago (we wanted to exclude those with the benefit of hindsight) that outlined exactly what the Year of the Rat would mean for the world in 2008.

Back then (January 2008), the general gist of what the year would apparently hold was as follows:

“The Rat year is a year of plenty, bringing opportunity and good prospects. It will be marked by speculation and fluctuations in the prices of commodities and the stock market; the world economy in general will boom. Business will be on the upswing, fortunes can be made and it will be an easy time to accumulate wealth. However, this is also the time to make long-term investment plans as the bonanza the year of the Rat brings will serve to see us through the bleak years that may follow. All ventures begun at this time will be successful if one prepares well. But do not take chances or unnecessary risks: the year of the Rat is still ruled by the cold of winter and the darkness of night. Those who speculate indiscriminately and overextend themselves will come to a sad reckoning.”

Hmm… all in all we’d have to say the above is somewhat inconclusive in describing what actually happened in 2008.

Bearing this in mind, the following is a general outline of what a typical Year of the Ox, should apparently hold in store.

“The Ox is not extravagant, and the thought of living off credit cards or being in debt makes them nervous. The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. We will feel the yoke of responsibility coming down on us this year. No success can be achieved without conscientious efforts. The trials and tribulations the Ox year brings will be mainly on the home front. It is a good time to settle domestic affairs and put your house in order. Way-out fashions, abstract art forms and newfangled notions will be given an impassive stare by the phlegmatic Ox, while politics and diplomacy will simply be treated with indifference. Better stick to routine and support conservative policies. Frivolities are out! This year will no doubt bear fruit, but the motto is: “No work, no pay!” Time waits for no man; if we are too lazy to sow then we can blame no one if we have nothing to reap. We will find a great many things requiring our attention, and the list of what needs to be done will seem endless. The Spartan influence of the Ox will be a constantly cracking whip over our heads. Better to apply oneself diligently than waste time arguing with the authorities. They will prevail, as the year of the Ox favors discipline. This is no time for tricky shortcuts.”

- No tricky shortcuts – accepted.

- No work, no pay – accepted.

- A good time to settle domestic affairs (companies and governments) and put your house in order – accepted.

- The Year of the Ox favours discipline – accepted.

Given the climate we are it seems the Chinese might be onto something here…