Chinese New Year- OX

Here are two meditations... color pencil/paper drawings, measuring 7 x 5 inches. 

January 26th marks the beginning of the Chinese year 4706, also called the year of the OX. The ox, one of the twelve-year-cycle names, is sturdy, dependable, solid and, believing he is always right, the ox rarely backs up. In Christianity he is the symbol for Luke, the apostle, and a signifies sacrifice. The Chinese new year is always celebrated on the second new moon after the winter solstice. I have included Ox Eye daisies in my designs as well as the chinese calligraphic symbol, Ji Chou, for the ox.

I am going to a Chinese new years party this afternoon and am eager to taste some dumplings! One of these drawings will be a gift for the household.
Happy New Years... may the symbol of the ox- in both it's strength and it's sacrificial persona- give us clarity.