Muskox with newborn in the central Arctic coastal plain in Alaska, USA
Muskox with newborn in the central Arctic coastal plain in Alaska, USA (© Steven Kazlowski/Danita Delimont)
The year of the Ox
Today marks the start of Chinese New Year festivities, which continue until 26 February. The exact date varies each year on the solar/Gregorian calendar, as Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar. Under the Chinese zodiac system one animal (and its reputed attributes) is assigned to represent each year, in a 12-year repeating cycle. This year is the Year of the Ox. The others are Rat, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
© Steven Kazlowski/Danita Delimont