Lunar New Year: The Year of the Ox

In Beijing, Li Shaohua, center, leads other performers in a reenactment of a Qing Dynasty ceremony to worship the Earth. Li, who is not a professional actor, was selected by residents to play the role of emperor. (China Photos / Getty Images)

Sept. 16, 2014 11:14 AM PT

The Ox, the Chinese Zodiac symbol of the year being ushered in today, is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work.

Actors dressed in traditional Imperial costumes reenact a sacrifice ritual in Beijing’s Ditan Park in honor of the first day of the Year of the Ox. (Diego Azubel / EPA)

A worshiper attends Lunar New Year prayers in Jakarta, Indonesia. Millions across Asia are celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Ox. (Bay Ismoya / AFP/Getty Images)

A performer dances at a temple fair marking the first day of the Lunar New Year in Beijing. (Peter Parks / AFP/Getty Images)

Imperial-costumed actors in Beijing reenact a sacrifice ritual in honor of the new year. The Lunar New Year is also referred to as Spring Festival in China. (Diego Azubel / EPA)