As we prance into the Lunar New Year of the Horse, these magnificent creatures will be playing a significant role in the coming months. In the Chinese zodiac the Year of the Horse is quite fortuitous and is considered to be a time of new possibilities, opportunities – especially for adventure and important decisions. It’s also a great time to honor the horse by wearing jewelry inspired by its majesty.
Legend of the Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac system was established thousands of years ago, but continues to play an integral role in Asian culture. In this system, people are influenced by the year in which they were born rather than by the month which is used in the western zodiac. The Chinese zodiac is divided into twelve years each represented by a different animal.
According to legend a race was set up between animals to determine which ones would be part of the zodiac. There is a variation with some legends saying that the Jade Emperor called for the race while another version says that it was Buddha who started the competition. The animals were called and told that the first twelve to arrive would be part of the zodiac. Another version of the legend says that the animals were invited to a banquet and those that attended were made part of the zodiac. Horse was the seventh of the twelve animals to arrive. Each year for 12 years a different animal is represented and then the cycle starts again.
The five elements, earth, wood, fire, water and metal are also assigned to each animal. These elements go in five year repeating cycles that then align with the animal of that year. With this in mind 2026 becomes the Year of the Fire Horse, with fire bringing an extra dose of intensity to the year.
Were You Born in the Year of the Horse?
How do you know if you were born in the Year of the Horse? If you were born in any of these years then you are a horse: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 and 2026. The next Year of the Horse will be in 2038. There is one exception to this rule: If someone is born prior to the Lunar New Year of any year, then that person is the animal of the previous year. Since the Lunar New Year follows the moon, it falls at a slightly different time each year, but always on the new moon that occurs between January 21 and February 17. Also known as Spring Festival, the Lunar New Year is a celebration of winter’s end and the beginning of the spring planting season. It is also a time when families gather and celebrate new beginnings often wearing or decorating with red for luck and exchanging gifts. Since this is the Year of the Horse, there will also be a lot of equine themed decorations.
Horses are important animals, not just in the Chinese zodiac, but for everyone. At one time, horses were the main mode of transportation causing them to be associated with freedom, independence and mobility. People born in the Year of the Horse are thought to be independent thinkers, intelligent, witty and good-natured, while also being energetic and decisive. The Year of the Horse is considered to be a good time to advance your career and pursue your dreams.
Jewelry for Year of the Horse
If you or someone you know was born in the Year of the Horse gifting a horse themed jewel is said to bring luck, success and vitality to the recipient. The Year of the Horse is associated with the colors red, pink and purple, so wearing jewelry with gemstones in those colors, such as ruby, garnet, pink sapphire or amethyst is another lovely way to honor the spirit of the horse.
There is an old Chinese proverb that says “success comes with the arrival of the horse.” It is a phrase that is also a blessing, said to people when they are starting a new project as a wish for swift, easy and immediate success. Wear your horse jewelry to keep that energy with you throughout the year.
Top of Page: Textured 18-karat gold horse brooch, circa 1970s.
Art Deco diamond, onyx and platinum horseshoe jabot; Edwardian diamond, 18-karat gold and platinum horse brooch, French, circa 1915; Diamond, 14-karat gold and platinum horseshoe ring, circa 1950s.
Authored by Amber Michelle