Year of The Horse

2026 is The year of the Horse in Japan

In Japan, 2026 is the Year of the Horse. The image of the Horse symbolizes vitality, success, prosperity, and luck. For this reason, 2026 is considered a promising year and a good time to take on new and demanding challenges.

Wooden plaques called Ema are shaped like or painted with a horse and found at Shinto shrines. Originally, it was customary to offer live horses to a shrine; however, now the Ema represent the prayers and wishes of those who leave them.  The shift from real horses to Ema began when it became impossible for everyone to offer horses, largely because the Shrines couldn’t possibly care for them all.

Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva is the guardian of the Horse zodiac sign. In Buddhism, Mahasthamaprapta translates to “he who has obtained the highest strength.” Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva is celebrated on August 16th the year, 2026.