In 2014 it is the Year of the Horse. Power, beauty, and freedom symbolize the horse in the Chinese culture. It is believed that people born in the year of the horse are very high-spirited, active and energetic. Enthusiasm and cheerful personalities make people like the horse – they love being in a crowd! With a straightforward and positive attitude towards life, the horse is also known for communication skills and are exceedingly witty.
The Chinese zodiac – or Shēngxiào – is a calendar system originating in the Han dynasty (206-220BC). Each of the years in its 12-year cycle are named after an animal: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig, in that order. According to the system, the universe is made up of five elements – earth, water, fire, wood and metal – which interact with the 12 animals, resulting in the specific character of the year ahead. For each year, there is an animal symbol and associated element. For 2014, it is the year of the Wooden Horse.