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Year of the Horse – My Spirit Animal

02/05/14 | Bloomingdales, Diane von Furstenberg, Fashion and Style, Longchamp, Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney

Friday, January 31st marked the Chinese New Year and the first day of the Year of the Horse. 2014 is the Year of the Horse according to Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Horse starts from Jan. 31, 2014 (the Lunar New Year / Spring Festival of China) and lasts to Feb. 18, 2015.

The Chinese Zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao, is based on a twelve year cycle, each year in that cycle related to an animal sign.  Select your Gregorian date of birth, and you’ll reveal your date of birth according to the lunar calendar together with your zodiac sign.

Those born within these years are recognized as energetic, bright and intelligent.  Well, I am excited to say that I was born the year of the horse.  According to one report, “For those born on the year of the horse, they will encounter the Year of Birth (Benming Nian). It is believed they will offend Taisui, the god in charge of fortune, so their finances may fluctuate.”  Hopefully the fluctuate in the good way.

The spirit of the horse is recognized to be the Chinese people’s ethos โ€“ making unremitting efforts to improve themselves. It is energetic, bright, warm-hearted, intelligent and able. Ancient people liked to designate an able person as ‘Qianli Ma’, a horse that covers a thousand li a day (one li equals 500 meters).

As the year of the horse is “my year” and as I do not celebrate the Chinese Zodiac calendar I have been racking my brain since Friday to think of another way I can celebrate the year of the horse. I have found that there are half a dozen pieces of clothing and accessories – many from top designers – that bear likeness to horses.  Honestly, when i began looking I was amazed and at how many beautiful pieces have horses on them!

/ Vegan Horse Print Wallet / 
/ 
/
DVF Chinese New Year Envelope Clutch /
/ Free Roaming Necklace / Anna-Karin Karlsson Horse Sunglasses
What is your spirit animal?

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Comments

  1. Clever Girl Reviews says

    February 8, 2014 at 5:07 am

    I’m a horse as well and a past equestrian. Cute finds. I was also upset to hear that ones birth sign is bad luck or at least it is this year!
    http://www.clevergirlreviews.com

  2. Diva In me says

    February 6, 2014 at 5:50 am

    Among the zodiacs, there’s 2 which the Chinese favors. Dragon and Horse. The saying goes “the spirit and strength of dragon and horse”. I’m wishing you a great year of the horse and may it bring you great health, wealth and much blessings =)

    • Kelly says

      February 7, 2014 at 5:53 pm

      Thank you so much, for the great info and the blessing!

  3. Stephanie @ Diary of a Debutan says

    February 5, 2014 at 11:48 pm

    I’m jealous, I want the horse! I’m pretty sure I’m the dragon… womp womp. Great post! ๐Ÿ™‚

    xo,
    Stephanie
    Diary of a Debutante
    http://www.thediaryofadebutante.com

    • Kelly says

      February 7, 2014 at 5:53 pm

      The dragon is still pretty cool though, thanks Stephanie!

  4. Ashley @ Married to the Game says

    February 5, 2014 at 6:15 pm

    I just came across your blog through the blogiversary giveaway and I can’t wait to follow along!

    Ashley, Married to the Game

    • Kelly says

      February 7, 2014 at 5:53 pm

      Thanks Ashley, welcome!

  5. Brittany conners says

    February 5, 2014 at 2:57 pm

    Thanks for all the info. What a fun post !

    • Kelly says

      February 7, 2014 at 5:53 pm

      Thanks Brittany!

  6. Erica Thompson says

    February 5, 2014 at 1:03 pm

    I love the horse dress, It took me a minute to see the pattern. Also you know more about the year of the horse then my Chinese students who grew up with this stuff! I had to tell them what it all meant, they were amazed.

    • Kelly says

      February 7, 2014 at 5:54 pm

      Wow, that is hard to believe!

  7. Kimberley Pavao says

    February 5, 2014 at 1:02 pm

    I love the horse board, what a FUN idea.

    I am actually year of the dragon!

    xoxo, KP

    Eleventh & Sixteenth

    • Kelly says

      February 7, 2014 at 5:54 pm

      Thanks Kimberly!

  8. Stephanie says

    February 5, 2014 at 12:59 pm

    I’m the year of the rat! Personality wise, fits me to a t. But I doubt there’s much fashion options out there with rats on it ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • Kelly says

      February 7, 2014 at 5:54 pm

      I read a few different ones for the horse and did not really agree with any of them (hence why they did not make an appearance) but I am glad your fit you to a T!

  9. mihaela pojogu says

    February 5, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    I don’t know which is mine, but I like horses like free animals.

    xo

    About women and not only Blog

    • Kelly says

      February 7, 2014 at 5:54 pm

      Me too, thanks for stopping by Mihaela!

  10. Brianne says

    February 5, 2014 at 12:41 pm

    Mine is most certainly the horse, as well. As an equestrian myself, I’m uber excited about the horse-inspired clothing this year. Maybe you could try a riding lesson (or two, or three, or forever) this year ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Kelly says

      February 7, 2014 at 5:53 pm

      That is awesome! I took a few riding lessons as a kid and would love to get back into it!

  11. Tea says

    February 5, 2014 at 11:48 am

    Hello dear, beautiful blog and amazing photos ๐Ÿ™‚ fabulous post!!! i follow you with pleasure on GFC, bloglovin, instagram and facebook, if you want to pass by me ๐Ÿ™‚

    http://www.teanonsolomoda.com

    kiss Tea

    • Kelly says

      February 7, 2014 at 5:55 pm

      Thanks Tea, welcome!

  12. Helene says

    February 5, 2014 at 11:45 am

    what better way to celebrate the year of the horse than to wear it!! love it!

    • Kelly says

      February 7, 2014 at 5:55 pm

      Thanks Helene!

  13. Sharon says

    February 5, 2014 at 11:11 am

    Aww I love seeing the photos of when you were younger! I was born in the year of the pig but horse printed anything is so cute!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

    • Kelly says

      February 7, 2014 at 5:55 pm

      Thanks Sharon!

Hi, I am Kelly and welcome to Sparkles and Shoes, a fashion, travel, and lifestyle blog founded in 2012.ย  After six years of living in London I am back in New York with my husband and two littles!ย 

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