Today, February 12, celebrations begin in China for the New Year, which falls under the sign of the Ox. Last year, we anticipated change from the Year of the White Rat—and indeed, 2020 changed a lot. Now astrologers predict a fruitful and successful year, and economists agree. So, what can businesses expect in the coming year?
About the Zodiac Signs
The Chinese zodiac cycle is based on a twelve-year lunar calendar, with each year represented by one of twelve animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
This choice of animals is no accident. Half of them are traditional domestic animals (Ox, Horse, Goat, Rooster, Pig, and Dog). The other half (Rat, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, and Monkey) are animals often mentioned in Chinese mythology and culture.
An interesting feature is the order and arrangement of the signs, which is based on the number of claws (hooves, paws). Thus, all the zodiac animals are divided into two groups: Yin and Yang. Special (first) place is given to the Rat, whose year we are bidding farewell to. The reason is that rats have a different number of toes on their front and back paws (four on the front, five on the back), so the rat is considered to combine both the Yin and Yang elements. However, it's also said there is a Yang dominance with the Rat, as the total number (4+5) is odd.
What does the Year of the Ox Foretell?
This time, the Year of the Ox begins on February 12 and lasts until January 30, 2022. The lucky colors for the Ox are green, white, and yellow, while blue is thought to bring bad luck. Lucky numbers are 1 and 4, as well as their combinations.
The Ox is considered a hardworking animal; its desire to move forward and great patience help it achieve its goals step by step. Therefore, the diligence and perseverance of the Ox, combined with the wisdom of the Rat, will help you achieve your goals in 2021.
Changes in consumer behavior offer opportunities to explore new areas and projects. Find a niche you haven’t tried yet— the Ox will support this initiative, as long as you work hard and persistently.
Almost all observers are certain that China’s economy will experience explosive growth in the Year of the Ox, which means it’s time to start or rebuild business relationships with China.
About the Zodiac Signs
The Chinese zodiac cycle is based on a twelve-year lunar calendar, with each year represented by one of twelve animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
This choice of animals is no accident. Half of them are traditional domestic animals (Ox, Horse, Goat, Rooster, Pig, and Dog). The other half (Rat, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, and Monkey) are animals often mentioned in Chinese mythology and culture.
An interesting feature is the order and arrangement of the signs, which is based on the number of claws (hooves, paws). Thus, all the zodiac animals are divided into two groups: Yin and Yang. Special (first) place is given to the Rat, whose year we are bidding farewell to. The reason is that rats have a different number of toes on their front and back paws (four on the front, five on the back), so the rat is considered to combine both the Yin and Yang elements. However, it's also said there is a Yang dominance with the Rat, as the total number (4+5) is odd.
What does the Year of the Ox Foretell?
This time, the Year of the Ox begins on February 12 and lasts until January 30, 2022. The lucky colors for the Ox are green, white, and yellow, while blue is thought to bring bad luck. Lucky numbers are 1 and 4, as well as their combinations.
The Ox is considered a hardworking animal; its desire to move forward and great patience help it achieve its goals step by step. Therefore, the diligence and perseverance of the Ox, combined with the wisdom of the Rat, will help you achieve your goals in 2021.
Changes in consumer behavior offer opportunities to explore new areas and projects. Find a niche you haven’t tried yet— the Ox will support this initiative, as long as you work hard and persistently.
Almost all observers are certain that China’s economy will experience explosive growth in the Year of the Ox, which means it’s time to start or rebuild business relationships with China.
Traditionally, Chinese people try to spend the New Year holidays with their families. This leads to a “dead” season and disruptions in the operations of Chinese factories and the supply of goods from China. Like many of us, the Chinese plan their vacations in advance and often take extra days off before and after the New Year holidays. This year, due to the coronavirus epidemic, the situation is exacerbated by the reluctance of most Chinese to travel home, with many working, studying, and living far from their families—right when transportation systems are most overloaded.
As a result, many Chinese suppliers are already significantly reducing their activity as early as the beginning of February. From February 8 to 16, most Chinese companies will be closed. Main business activity in China is expected to start “coming back to life” around February 22.
If you already work with Chinese suppliers, remember that during the New Year period (Spring Festival), there are significant shipment delays. Therefore, it’s best not to place orders immediately before or just after the holiday.
As a result, many Chinese suppliers are already significantly reducing their activity as early as the beginning of February. From February 8 to 16, most Chinese companies will be closed. Main business activity in China is expected to start “coming back to life” around February 22.
If you already work with Chinese suppliers, remember that during the New Year period (Spring Festival), there are significant shipment delays. Therefore, it’s best not to place orders immediately before or just after the holiday.
