Lunar New Year: The Year of the Ox

In Beijing, Li Shaohua, center, leads other performers in a reenactment of a Qing Dynasty ceremony to worship the Earth. Li, who is not a professional actor, was selected by residents to play the role of emperor. (China Photos / Getty Images)

Sept. 16, 2014 11:14 AM PT

Share via
- Email
- Facebook
- X
- LinkedIn
- Threads
- Reddit
- WhatsApp

The Ox, the Chinese Zodiac symbol of the year being ushered in today, is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work.

Actors dressed in traditional Imperial costumes reenact a sacrifice ritual in Beijing’s Ditan Park in honor of the first day of the Year of the Ox. (Diego Azubel / EPA)

A worshiper attends Lunar New Year prayers in Jakarta, Indonesia. Millions across Asia are celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Ox. (Bay Ismoya / AFP/Getty Images)

A performer dances at a temple fair marking the first day of the Lunar New Year in Beijing. (Peter Parks / AFP/Getty Images)

Imperial-costumed actors in Beijing reenact a sacrifice ritual in honor of the new year. The Lunar New Year is also referred to as Spring Festival in China. (Diego Azubel / EPA)