Rongyuan Liu gives a glimpse into the culture of the Chinese new year, its history and the symbolic significance of the 12 zodiac animals - specifically the Horse, which takes center stage in 2026.
Zodiac signs mean different things in different cultural contexts. It could be the twelve star signs corresponding to astronomical constellations - Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. In this sense, your sign is determined by the month and date of your birthday. However, in a different context, the Zodiac signs could refer to the twelve animals that are associated with the lunar new year.
These are known as Chinese Zodiac signs, and their cultural significance has a history of more than 2,000 years. As traditional chronological symbols of the lunar new year, they are based on a 12-year cycle, and each year is represented by a different animal. The order of these 12 animals are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig and according to the Chinese calendar, 2026 is the Year of the Horse.
“Chinese Zodiacs are closely linked with Chinese New Year, and the Zodiac animals become an essential part of its celebrations”
When it comes to their origins, there are many folktales that explain why these twelve animals were chosen as zodiac animals and the most famous one is “The Great Race. In this tale, the Jade Emperor held a race for the zodiac animals, setting a rule that only the first twelve animals to reach the finish line could earn a spot on the zodiac calendar, and the order in which the animals finished determined their place in the twelve-year cycle.
Chinese Zodiac animals are not only considered a chronological symbol, but also believed to represent certain personalities. For example, the Ox represents perseverance and dependability. Those who are born in the Year of the Ox tend to be hardworking and reliable. The Tiger is seen as a symbol of courage, power, and strength. People under the sign of the Tiger are considered daring, upright, and confident. The Monkey is known for its cleverness and playfulness. People born in the Year of the Monkey are likely to be cheerful, energetic by nature. At the same time, they are more likely to be active, confident, charismatic, and creative. So, what does the Horse symbolise?
When it comes to the culture in China, the horse holds historical significance in agriculture, transportation, and communication. It is widely used in various idioms and works of literature which further shapes its cultural image. First and foremost, the horse is strongly associated with success, progress, and achievement. The images of galloping horses are therefore often placed in homes or offices as a symbol of career advancement and prosperity. Additionally, the horse represents energy, vitality, and enthusiasm. People born in the Year of the Horse are thus considered to be energetic and adventurous. As the horse always runs freely in open fields, it is also seen as a symbol of freedom and independence.
Chinese Zodiacs are closely linked with Chinese New Year, and the Zodiac animals become an essential part of its celebrations. During Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, the name of the zodiac animal is often worked into blessings and spring couplets, a traditional decoration pasted on doors to express good wishes. The image of the zodiac animal can be seen everywhere - from New Year paintings, wall hangings, ornaments, red envelopes, paper cuttings, stamps, and many other handicrafts. These days, Zodiac-themed items are especially popular among the young people in China. They could be fridge magnets, soft toys, key chains, dough or clay sculptures, bracelets, necklaces and wood carvings among others.
The Chinese Zodiac is far more than a way of timekeeping or a symbol of the New Year. It embodies the values, beliefs, and moral ideals of Chinese society, as well as the hopes, aspirations, and blessings that people attach to each zodiac animal.
Also, a word of interesting advice, if the year of the Horse is your Zodiac year, it is believed that wearing something red could help to ward off evil spirits, safeguard your well-being, and attract good fortune. That could be a red piece of clothing or just a simple accessory. Anything red is the way to go - so perhaps now is a good time to go pull out those red pieces from your wardrobe.