February 4 – Year of the Horse

Posted on February 4, 2014


Chinese New Year came early this year – on January 31

After a weekend of celebrations here, there, and everywhere—parades, parties, and fireworks—you might think that the holiday was over.

But you would be wrong.

The Chinese New Year Festival is actually a bit longer than two weeks long. In 2014, it ends on February 14, which is the date of the Lantern Festival. Between now and then, there are many special days such as God of Wealth's birthday, common person's birthday, and Jade Emperor's birthday. I think the most interesting of these (which this year falls on February 6) is Renri, the common person's birthday. According to Chinese tradition, it is supposed to be the anniversary of the date that human beings were created. It is the day that everyone adds one year to his or her age! 


(I am so used to adding a year to my age on my personal birthday; I find it fascinating to discover that, in some cultures, everyone “ups” their age on the same day!)

The spirit of the horse is energetic and capable, smart and warm-hearted. People born in the year of the horse (including 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, and 1954) are supposed to have those good qualities.


(Since I was born in the Year of the Horse, all I can say to that is, “Well, obviously!”

Of course, the reality is that Chinese horoscope descriptions, like other horoscope and numerology descriptions, are so general and often complimentary, we can easily find ways to apply them to ourselves and others. There isn't, really, magic in numbers and dates, as you can easily see if you think about the fact that we have changed our calendars drastically since the traditions were created!)


  • On this Year of the Horse, check out the “Wild Horses of Mongolia” videos by Julia Roberts. (This is Part 1 of 5.)
  • And here is a celebratory Year of the Horse video you might enjoy. 


Also on this date:














Astronomer Clyde Tombaugh's birthday







Plan ahead:

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