午

Uma (Horse) is the seventh animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac.

Meaning and Symbolism

The character for the Horse represents the turning point when plant growth peaks and begins to decline. It symbolizes noon, the time of day when the sun is highest in the sky. Horses have been vital partners in human history for transportation, farming, and warfare. Their galloping figure symbolizes "good harvests," "health," "vitality," and "leaping forward." The wooden ema plaques offered at Shinto shrines originated from the ancient practice of dedicating live horses to the gods.

Personality Traits

People born in the Year of the Horse are traditionally believed to be:

• Active and Bright: Full of energy and disliking staying still.
• Sociable: Excellent communicators who enliven the atmosphere around them.
• Passionate: Giving their all to things that interest them and expressing emotions straightforwardly.
• Fickle: Tending to lose interest quickly, sometimes leading to impulsive failures or abandoned projects.