The horse is part of a 12-year-cycle of animals that make up the Chinese zodiac. Each year in that cycle relates to an animal. These animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The selection and sequence of the animals was originated in the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.– 220 A.D.) and is based on each animal’s character and living habits. One account is that the order of the animals is due to their order in completing a contest of racing across a river, i.e. the race would determine which creatures, in which order, represent each of the 12 years. The race was run, and swum, with the finishing line across a great river. The rat and the ox crossed easily enough (the rat hitchhiking on the ox’s back). Those powerful swimmers, tiger and dragon had little problem; nor did rabbit, with a little help from the dragon. The horse, an excellent runner; but not as good a swimmer, would have been next. But the snake, having crossed the river by stowing away on horse’s hoof, doing a sudden dismount, gained the finishing line, just in front of the startled horse. Thus, it is said, despite the animal’s general swiftness, the horse finished the race only in the rank of the seventh position.
Similar to the Christian calendar the time cycles are divided into 12 parts, Chinese lunar calendar designates 12 years as one cycle, 12 months as one year, and 12 hours as one day. Chinese believe that the years represented by the animals affects the characters of people in the same way as the zodiac adopted by the Western civilizations.
According to the Chinese zodiac people born in the year of the horse are clever and kind to others. They are cheerful and talented, but sometimes stubborn. They like entertainment and large crowds. They are popular among friends, active at work, and refuse to reconcile to failure.
James Zhang, MD of China Tours Ltd commented: “Holidays to China is about cultural experience. The itinerary of our China tours and holiday packages are based on our extensive knowledge about the country and the culture. You are guaranteed an enjoyable and memorable holiday with us in the Year of the Horse”.
About China Tours Ltd
China Tours Ltd is a UK registered operator with over ten years experience of organising holidays to China. The destination of China inspires, fascinates and enchants travellers with its rich, diverse and often mysterious landscape and culture. Our tailor made private China holidays and small group tours give you an insight into China’s thousand years’ imperial past as you tour the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Terracotta Warriors. You will also experience the tranquil and magical countryside around Guilin and Yangshuo, as well as the vibrant Shanghai, explore the natural habitat of the giant pandas and cruise the mighty Yangtze River through the spectacular Three Gorges. Visit https://www.tourchina.co.uk and let’s discover China together.
