With the arrival of February 17, 2026, China and people celebrating the Lunar New Year around the world bid farewell to the Year of the Snake and welcome the Year of the Horse. In the traditional Chinese zodiac, made up of twelve animals – rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig – the horse occupies the seventh position.
The zodiac is closely linked to the ancient system of measuring time. The horse corresponds to the period of the day between eleven in the morning and one in the afternoon, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, a time period that perfectly symbolizes the qualities attributed to the horse: intense energy, agility, dynamism and vibrant vitality.
A faithful companion throughout history
In Chinese culture, the image of the horse is loaded with symbolism and spiritual meanings. Over thousands of years, the horse was much more than a simple means of transport: it became an indispensable partner in the development of civilization. It played a central role in agriculture, commerce and, particularly notably, the legendary Silk Road, which linked East and West.
In times of war, horses accompanied soldiers to their deaths, forging deep bonds of camaraderie and loyalty, a close relationship that elevated the horse to a symbol of fidelity, diligence, endurance and strength. From Emperor Qin’s impressive terracotta army to the works of poets and painters from various dynasties, who extol the grandeur and elegance of horses, the connection between this animal and Chinese civilization remains deep and lasting.
The horse in proverbs and classic stories
The Chinese language is full of proverbs and idioms about horses, true “cultural fossils” that transmit the wisdom and values of the ancients. These expressions not only enrich the language, but reveal the multiple facets of the horse in the Chinese imagination.
A classic example is the proverb “the old horse knows the way”, which dates back to an episode from the Spring and Autumn period (770 BC – 481 BC). When the Qi State army got lost in the mountains after a military campaign, Guan Zhong, the statesman, suggested releasing some older horses and following them. Guided by the animals’ experience, the soldiers managed to return home. Today, this proverb is used to praise experienced people who are able to guide others in complex situations.
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