1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 Happy Chinese New Year January 26, 2009 Welcoming... the Year of the Ox About Chinese New Year The traditional Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle. Each year is named after a specific animal. Many Chinese believe that people born in a particular year possess the characteristics of the animal linked with that year. For example, people born during the Year of the Ox are said to be dependable, calm, patient, and logical. Close