TL;DR: Sửu (Ox) is the 2nd of the 12 zodiac branches, and the branch element is Earth; folk tradition links the Ox with diligence and patience. In the folk compatibility tables, Sửu matches Snake (Tỵ) and Rooster (Dậu) as a three-harmony trio and Rat (Tý) as a six-harmony pair; it is unfavourable with Goat (Mùi, clash, punishment), Horse (Ngọ, harm) and Dog (Tuất, punishment); the four-clash group also lists Dragon (Thìn). Recent lunar birth years: 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, next 2033.
Where does the Ox sit in the 12-year cycle?
Sửu (Ox) is the second sign in the 12-year cycle, immediately following the Rat. In the folk legend of the animal race, the Ox was actually fast and nearly finished first, but the clever Rat leapt onto its back and sprang ahead at the final moment, leaving the Ox in second place. This story captures the traditional image of the Ox in Vietnamese culture: hardworking, honest, and steadfast, though sometimes less cunning than others in strategy.
What is the Ox personality like?
In folk tradition, people born in the Year of the Ox are often associated with diligence, endurance, and a strong sense of responsibility. They tend to work methodically, pursue long-term goals with persistence, and rarely give up midway. Their calm, dependable nature often makes them a pillar of support for colleagues and family alike.
On the other hand, Ox personalities are sometimes described as somewhat rigid or stubborn, not easily swayed once their mind is made up. In communication, they are not known for flowery eloquence but rather for sincerity - doing more than they say. In relationships, Oxen are typically loyal, valuing stability over fleeting bursts of passion. These are cultural generalizations, not fixed rules for every individual.
What is the Ngũ Hành element of the Ox?
The Sửu branch belongs to the Earth (Thổ) element - representing stability, steadiness, and the capacity to nurture and support all things, much like soil is the foundation from which plants grow. This is the fixed element tied to the Sửu branch itself; a specific person's Nạp Âm destiny element (for example, Đinh Sửu, Kỷ Sửu, or Tân Sửu) still needs to be determined from the full Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch combination of the exact birth year.
What is the Ox compatible with in Tam Hợp and Tứ Hành Xung?
Within the Tam Hợp system, Sửu belongs to the Tỵ - Dậu - Sửu group (forming a Metal trine). Ox-born individuals are therefore traditionally seen as compatible and harmonious with those born under Tỵ (Snake) and Dậu (Rooster), both in work and marriage.
Conversely, Sửu falls within the Tứ Hành Xung group of Thìn - Tuất - Sửu - Mùi, meaning the Ox is traditionally considered to clash with Thìn (Dragon), Tuất (Dog), and Mùi (Goat). This is one of the four-sign Earth-element clashing groups along the Earthly Branch wheel, often cited by elders when comparing ages for business or marriage. As with all compatibility factors, this should be treated as a reference point rather than a strict rule.
Which recent years were the Year of the Ox?
People born in the Year of the Ox include those born in 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, with the next Ox year being 2033. Each Ox year carries its own Heavenly Stem (Ất Sửu, Đinh Sửu, Kỷ Sửu, Tân Sửu, Quý Sửu, and so on), creating differences in Nạp Âm destiny element even among those who share the Ox sign.
Quick-Reference Table: the Ox sign
| Aspect | Content |
|---|---|
| Animal | Ox |
| Element of the branch | Earth |
| Hour range | 1h-3h |
| Best-matched trio | Tỵ, Dậu |
| Clashing group of four | Thìn, Tuất, Mùi |
| Harm pair | Ngọ |
Figures in this table match the results of the lookup tools on Nhật Nguyệt.
