The Chinese lunar new year begins February 12, 2021, and starts the Spring Festival season that ends fifteen days later on the evening of the Lantern Festival. 2021 is the Year of the Metal Ox. The Chinese zodiac rotates through a 12-year cycle of animals and the traditional five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The ox represents hard work and dependability and ushers in the second year of the 12-year cycle, following the Year of the Rat.
