What does the year of the horse mean?

Ellen O'Donoghue

According to the Chinese calendar, 2026 will be the year of the horse. But what does this mean?

The horse is a symbol of forward movement, independence, and endurance, according to National Geographic, and 2026 ushers in the year of the fire horse, a rare, blazing return that only comes once every 60 years.

Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday, February 17th in 2026, with new year celebrations starting from the evening before, and lasting for 15 days.

The exact date of the Lunar New Year changes each year as it is linked to the start of a new moon, but it always falls sometime between January 21st and February 20th, on the date of the first new moon.

This year of the horse is to last until February 6th, 2027.

Since at least the second century BC, each new year has been named for one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, which repeat in a 12-year cycle.

The 12 animals in the Chinese Horoscope are, in order, the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

While it has only been 12 years since the last year of the horse, 60 years have passed since the most recent year of the fire horse.

That is because in addition to cycling through 12 animals each year, the Chinese lunar calendar also rotates between the five traditional Chinese elements: earth, wood, fire, metal and water.

While the animal rotates each year, the element only rotates every two years.

Each animal in the Chinese lunar calendar is believed to embody certain personality traits and characteristics that influence the lives of those born in their year.

Years of the Horse include 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, and 1942.

The tiger (2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938), goat (2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931) and dog (2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946) are said to be the most compatible with those born in the year of the horse.

However, the rat (2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936), ox (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021), and snake (2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953) are said to be the least compatible.

What are the traits of someone born in the year of the horse?

In Chinese culture, the horse is known for its energetic and dynamic nature, according to ChinaHighlights.com.

It symbolises vitality, speed and perseverance.

Those born in the year of the horse are believed to possess similar traits, such as being hardworking, warm-hearted, and independent.

The horse is also associated with success and good fortune, ChinaHighlights.com said.

There is a phrase in Chinese (马到成功), which represents achieving success swiftly and smoothly, like when a victorious horse arrives at the battlefield.

It implies that success can be achieved rapidly and effortlessly, and some people may wear clothing or accessories depicting horses, or incorporate horse imagery in their homes for positive energy and fortune.

People born in the year of the horse are also said to be adaptable, energetic, outgoing, positive, ambitious, intelligent and adventurous, but can also be a little outspoken, self-centred and stubborn.

Those born in the year of the horse are generally sociable, friendly, and possess good communication skills, and love being in a crowd. Usually, they easily make friends with their warm and open nature.

In addition, those born in the year of the horse are often inclined towards taking risks and seeking new experiences, having a sense of adventure and craving excitement, which makes them willing to try different things and explore uncharted territories.

However, horses also usually really value honesty and loyalty, tending to be straightforward and sincere in their reactions, making them reliable and trustworthy friends.

Their lucky numbers include two, three, and seven, and numbers containing them, like 23 and 37.

Wearing red during your zodiac year is thought to bring good luck, as it is one of the luckiest colours in chinese culture, standing for prosperity, loyalty, success and happiness.

It is believed red can drive away bad luck and evil spirits.