Chinese New Year, Year of the Horse
2026 is the Year of the Horse—a powerful symbol of vitality, bold leaps, and good fortune for those ready to take on new challenges.
Horse and the 12 Zodiac Animals (Origin Story)
Chinese culture has an origin story that explains why the 12 zodiacs are represented by these 12 animals, and in this order. Horse is 7th of the zodiacs because that’s its place in the celestial race.
The race was organized by the Jade Emperor, who ruled over the heavens in Chinese legend. By his imperial decree, the first 12 animals that made it across the river would receive this eternal honor.
Horse was a crowd favorite, but because it was dawdling for the onlookers’ adoration and fanfare at the starting line, Horse didn’t start the race until it was too late to win the way everyone expected. However, it still beat the Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig to the finish line.
Horses are some of the most passionate and charismatic leaders, performers, and activists the world has ever seen. Here’s a list of famous Horses:
Joe Biden: November 20, 1942, Water Horse
Mike Tyson: June 30, 1966, Fire Horse
Jackie Chan: April 7, 1954, Wood Horse
Kobe Bryant: August 23, 1978, Earth Horse
Emma Watson: April 15, 1990, Metal Horse
Clint Eastwood: May 31, 1930, Metal Horse
Greta Thunberg: January 3, 2003, Water Horse
Cindy Crawford: February 20, 1966, Fire Horse
Mom has spent a lot of time living in cities that have large vibrant Chinatowns and Chinese New Year is always a humongous celebration. She worked in a Chinese Restaurant for a while and worked a couple of New Years. She said it is a major Spring Festival, It is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and rituals to attract good fortune, featuring red decorations, fireworks, dragon dances, and traditional, symbolic, festive meals. A
One of the things Mom says she misses the most is the Dragon and Lion Dancers as thy parade EVERYWHERE!
Here is a YouTube Video teaching Kids about Dragon Dancing!
Now, I'm off to practice doing a LION Dance!
May the colorful celebrations drive all the dullness away from your life. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Today we are pawticipating at Comedy Plus at HAPPY TUESDAY! THNX SANDY!
You make a great Lion Dancer, Marv. Vicky at Eastside Cats has a post saying what the Year of the Horse means, and I thought it was very appropriate in present times.
ReplyDeletethat was interesting... and we hope for a wonderful horse year..
ReplyDeleteI am in a caregiver year, again. just came from a blog that old why there is no CAT on the calendar yet here you are as a Lion and a really good one at that. I love dancing so will join you as a Lion Dancer
ReplyDeleteMarvelous Marv you look like you could just dance the night away. Maybe even the snow the fog and the gloom, lol. We hope the year 2026 is better than last one, and we hope the Year of the Horse is better than the last one. Gee don't I sound optimistic this morning. Good thing I have a kitty here at home to get me back on track.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWould like to witness a dragon dance someday.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteIn Sydney, there is a very vibrant Chinese and Vietnamese community, so I have experienced lots of fun around the traditions and celebrations. It's joyous! You make a great lion dancer, Marv... wonder if you and the others will get a wee taste of that salmon?!! Hugs and whiskeries YAM-aunty xxx
Happy New Year - we learned a lot from your post.
ReplyDeleteThis sure was a fun post! Here's to lots of horsing around this year!
ReplyDeleteLulu: "Giddyup!"
ReplyDeleteand mee too!! i yam a horse!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe stir-fry salmon and broccoli looks delicious. Happy Chinese New Year!
ReplyDeleteOh my word! Stir fried salmon and broccoli? I will make off with Katie's tunnel to help me, and be there for leftovers IF there are any.
ReplyDelete