1961 Chinese zodiac: year of the Metal Ox
1961 was the year of the Metal Ox in the Chinese zodiac. It began on 15 February 1961 and ended on 4 February 1962.
1961 is the year of the Metal Ox (Yin). The Chinese year of the Ox ran from 15 February 1961 to 4 February 1962, so anyone born between those dates is a Metal Ox. Babies born in 1961 before 15 February 1961 belong to the Metal Rat of 1960.
1961 Metal Ox personality
People born in the year of the Ox are diligent, dependable and strong. Their strengths are patience, honesty and staying power; their watch-outs are stubbornness and resistance to change.
The Metal element adds determination, strength and self-discipline, so the Metal Ox of 1961 combines the Ox's nature with metal qualities. Yin years are traditionally seen as receptive and reflective.
Careers that suit the Ox: engineering, agriculture, manufacturing, law, medicine.
Born in January or February 1961?
The Chinese year does not start on 1 January. In 1961, Chinese New Year fell on 15 February 1961.
- Born 15 February 1961 or later in 1961: Metal Ox.
- Born 1 January – 14 February 1961: Metal Rat (1960 sign).
Ox compatibility
| Match | Signs |
|---|---|
| Best (same triangle) | Snake, Rooster |
| Secret friend | Rat |
| Traditional clash | Goat |
Other Ox years
1925, 1937, 1949, 1973, 1985, 1997. The Metal Ox itself returns in 2021.
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Frequently asked questions
What Chinese zodiac is 1961?
The Metal Ox, for births from 15 February 1961 to 4 February 1962.
What if I was born in January or early February 1961?
If you were born before 15 February 1961, your sign is the Metal Rat of 1960, because the Chinese year had not yet changed.
What element is 1961 in the Chinese zodiac?
Metal (Yin). Metal is linked with determination, strength and self-discipline; its colour is white and gold.
Which signs are compatible with the Ox?
Best matches are the Snake and Rooster, plus the Rat as a "secret friend". The traditional clash is with the Goat.
When is the next Metal Ox year?
2081. The same animal and element combination returns every 60 years.
How old is someone born in 1961 in 2026?
They turn 65 during 2026.
Source and method
Chinese New Year dates (China Standard Time) were cross-checked against two independent lunar-calendar tables and published listings. Animals and elements follow the traditional 60-year (sexagenary) cycle.