2021 is the Year of the Ox according to Chinese zodiac. In China you will find various ox figures made of gold, wood, plastic, paper, shell and stone on sale in stores and on streets to celebrate the return. 【小题1】

Centuries ago, most people earned their living through farming. For example, the ox was used to help plow, cultivate and carry heavy goods. Besides, the ox has long had a significant place in Chinese culture. 【小题2】 In the Classic of Poetry, the oldest existing collection of Chinese poetry, the animal was mentioned in nine out of the 305 pieces.

【小题3】 To this day, the phrase "the spirit of ox" still refers to controlling anything that may present itself as an obstacle. 【小题4】 When someone achieves a great achievement through hard work, people often use "niu", meaning "awesome", to describe him or her.

Oxen seldom bully the weak or fear the strong. 【小题5】 This is reflected in a couplet from a poem by Lu Xun(1881-1936), "Fierce-browed, I coolly defy a thousand pointing fingers; Head bowed, like a willing ox I serve the children", which fully expresses the poet's loyalty to the people.

So naturally, those who were born in the Year of the Ox are often expected to be hardworking, reliable and loyal. "They never seek to be the center of attention and do not look for praise," the website China Highlights noted.