Sparkles and Shoes

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Year of the Horse – My Spirit Animal

| 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 – 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!

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What is your spirit animal?

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  2. Diva In me says

    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 =)

  6. Erica Thompson says

    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

      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!

  10. Brianne says

    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 🙂

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