In the Chinese zodiac, the Ox is traditionally ranked second in the 12-animal sequence.
The standard order begins with Rat, followed by Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. This order is used with the 12 earthly branches and repeats every 12 years.
A popular legend says the Jade Emperor held a race to determine the animals’ order. The Rat reached the finish first after riding across a river on the Ox’s back, then jumping ahead at the last moment. The story explains why the hardworking Ox follows the clever Rat.
The Ox is sometimes called the Cow or Buffalo in translations and regional traditions. In the Chinese system, however, the second earthly branch, Chou, is conventionally represented by the Ox. The animal also appears in broader East Asian zodiac traditions, although local names and interpretations can differ.