The Chinese Zodiac is a 12 year cycle. Each year of the 12 year cycle is named after one of the original 12 animals (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, dog and pig). 2009 is the year of the ox. Each animal (ShengXiao) has a different personality and different characteristics. Ox is believed to be steady, honest, gentle and reliable, and can be stubborn and narrow-minded.

ShengXiao is believed to be the main factor in each person's life that gives them success and happiness in their lifetime. Being a kind of typical national culture, ShengXiao has been used in some fields which include painting, sculpture, architecture, workmanship, china and so on. Shengxiao not only affects the Chinese people, but has expanded to many other countries.

Cattle is a symbol of totem culture in the areas of some minority groups in China. Cattle head bones are used as sacrifice or house recorations.