Japanese Zodiac is divided into twelve years, this is very unlike the western Zodiac, which is divided into twelve months. The Japanese Zodiac is also named after an animal which represents each year, the Japanese Zodiac is based upon an ancient Chinese concept, which states that all time shifts in a twelve year cycle.
Another legend also has it that before Bhudda left the earth, it was only twelve animals namely, the Tiger, Rabbit, Horse, Dragon, Monkey, Rooster, Boar, Dog, Ox, Rat, Rabbit, Snake that all came to show their devotion as well as bid him farewell and to honor them, Bhudda dedicated the years to these animals, by naming each animal in order of how they came to a year. The year 2009 is the year of the Ox.

From centuries ago and even till today, every Japanese whether it be old or young, knows which Zodiac year they were born in, as this major catalyst to know, the kind of characteristics or personality traits one may have.
For instance, those born in the year of the Ox, are said to be born leaders, who are eloquent speakers, they are kind hearted, as well as talented, smart and successful.
Those born in the year of the Ox are said to also be hardworking, enduring and patient, honest, strong minded, dependable as well as stubborn.

For love those born in the year of the Ox are said t be compatible with those born in the year of the Rooster, Snake, Rat and Dog but they are less compatible with those born in the year of the Monkey, Dragon, Tiger, Pig and even other fellow Oxen like themselves.
It takes time for the Ox to show their true feelings or even develop intimate relationships but when they do, those born in the year of the Ox are said to be totally committed to their partner.
Also the ideal partner for those born in the year of the Ox must be patient with them, as well as know how to tease and set them at ease.

There are several famous people, who were born in the year of the Ox, some of them are Former President Gerald R. Ford, Charlie Chaplin, Bill Cosby, Anthony Hopkins, Sissy Spacek, Jane Fonda, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, Walt Disney etc.

If you are confused and not sure, if you were born in the year of the Ox, well be rest assured that, the year of the Ox comes to us, every twelve years and if you were born in the year 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 or 2009 then you are most definitely an Ox.