Ox Boy
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Niu Lang
ORIGIN:
China
Youngest of three brothers, when his parents died, his brothers inherited everything worth anything. Ox Boy inherited only a tiny, poor piece of land and an old ox (hence his name). Unbeknownst to all, that ox was special, just like Puss in Boots. The ox used to be a star in the sky but was transformed into a beast of burden as punishment for disobedience.
The ox told Ox Boy to steal Weaving Maiden’s clothing while she was bathing so that she couldn’t return to Heaven. Despite this deception, Ox Boy and Weaving Maiden fell in love. They had a son and daughter and expected to live happily ever after. Up in Heaven, however, deities disapproved of their relationship. Weaving Maiden was dragged back to Heaven. Ox Boy tried to follow, but the Jade Emperor created a line in the heavens that Ox Boy and their children could not cross: the Milky Way.
MANIFESTATION:
Ox Boy appears in the sky as the star Altair in the constellation Aquila.
Time:
Ox Boy and the Weaving Maiden are permitted to reunite on one night of the year: the seventh night of the seventh lunar month.
SEE ALSO:
Jade Emperor; Weaving Maiden
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.