The Chinese Year of the Horse is an intriguing part of the 12-year cycle of Chinese Zodiac animals. It holds a special place in the race to the Heavenly Gate, finishing in 7th position. According to an ancient Chinese story, the Jade Emperor organized a race to select his personal guards from the animal kingdom. The animals arrived in the order of the cycle, with the Horse claiming its spot as the 7th animal.
If you were born in 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, or 2026, you are considered to be born in the Year of the Horse. However, due to the misalignment between the Gregorian calendar and the Chinese lunisolar calendar, it is important to check the Chinese New Year dates from your birth year if you were born in January or February. This will help determine your correct zodiac sign.
Horse Personality
If you were born in the Year of the Horse, you possess a variety of unique traits that define your personality. Picture Sarah, born in the year of the horse. She embodies the qualities associated with this zodiac sign.
Individuals born under the Horse sign are known for their energy, spirit, and athleticism. It's not just about being sporty but having a restless spirit that enables them to prioritize what matters most in life, such as traveling and building tight-knit relationships.
Horses are natural-born leaders who dislike having their freedom taken away. As you can imagine, this restlessness and independence can sometimes lead to impatience and difficulties with compromise. Horses have a drifter mentality, always in search of the next best thing.
Chinese Zodiac Elements
Chinese astrology combines the 12-year cycle of animal signs with the five elements (Metal, Water, Wood, Earth, and Fire), resulting in a 60-year cycle. Each element carries its own distinct meaning, adding depth to the zodiac sign it corresponds with.
Here is a simplified understanding of the associated meanings for each element:
- Wood: creativity, imagination
- Fire: passion, adventure
- Metal: persistence, ambition
- Water: agility, eloquence
- Earth: patience, stability
To determine your Chinese element, look at the last number of your birth year:
- For birth years ending in 0 or 1, your element is metal.
- For birth years ending in 2 or 3, your element is water.
- For birth years ending in 4 or 5, your element is wood.
- For birth years ending in 6 or 7, your element is fire.
- For birth years ending in 8 or 9, your element is earth.
Remember, the Chinese calendar and the Gregorian calendar do not align perfectly. If you were born in January or February, it is advisable to check the Chinese year you were actually born in.
Full Zodiac Animal Chart
Below is the complete spectrum of Chinese zodiac animals. Take a look at the image to find your own sign based on your birth year. Discover more about how Judy, Sarah, and Kaitlin rediscovered their Chinese Zodiac signs during their adventures in Hong Kong.
If you are interested in showering your family and friends with well-wishes and greetings, or simply understanding them, check out 23 of the most common Chinese New Year greetings in both Mandarin and Cantonese. Don't forget to visit our Chinese New Year recipe planning guide to assist you in planning your own celebration meal.
Let the Year of the Horse bring you good fortune and exciting adventures!
