The Lunar New Year is one of the biggest holiday events in Asia. It is celebrated in China, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and other Asian nations. In some countries, it is the longest holiday of the year. In parts of China, the Spring Festival is a family affair, a local extravaganza, and for the labor class, more than a few work-free days for rest and relaxation. The festivities generally begin on Jan. 31, and continue for days; in some regions, lasting more than two weeks.

As I write, the snake year is slithering into history, while the year of the horse gallops towards us with steady speed. No doubt, most Asians and Westerners too are more than happy to bid adieu to a trying, turbulent and tumultuous year. Indeed, the people of Afghanistan, Egypt, Iraq, Syria and Somalia are more than eager to bid bon voyage to the snake, and welcome the horse with expectancy.

In much of Asia, the horse is considered a noble creature, endowed with admirable attributes and virtues. In China and other countries, the horse is seldom used for plowing and other arduous farm labor. Instead, the ox is deemed most suitable for such chores. That’s because the horse is regarded as a majestic and stately creature. It is the harbinger of victory on the battlefield, the courier’s trusty roadster, the traveler’s mode of transport and the champion’s companion.

Even in the West, the horse is honored and revered by adventurers, explorers and settlers. The horse is such a prized quadruped; it is even enshrined in the English language. Long ago, most travelers used their trusty steeds or horse-drawn carriages for long journeys. Ranchers and cowboys who rely on horses to herd their cattle are referred to as horsemen. In the military, troops that fight on horseback are called mounted soldiers. The engine power needed to move an automobile a distance of 550 feet (746 Watts) in one second is called a horsepower.

Incidentally, many idiomatic expressions are shaped by our affection for the horse. When one makes an error in judgment or pledges support for a weak contender, it is spoken of as “backing the wrong horse.” The effort to renew concern for an issue or topic that others have lost interest in is referred to as “flogging a dead horse.” A suggestion to be especially cautious, avoid impatience and impulsiveness is often expressed in this manner. “Hold your horses!”

Obtaining facts and inside information directly from the actual source is regarded as getting it “straight from the horse’s mouth.”

Naturally, those who were born under the horse symbol may have reason to consider this their year of opportunity and good fortune. After all, the horse represents adventure and unfettered freedom, the entrepreneurial spirit, exploration and unbridled opportunity. Also, horse people are believed to be confident, enterprising, free-spirited, optimistic, popular and talented.

Horse people tend to exhibit qualities like enthusiasm, cleverness, warm-heartedness, advanced intelligence and unbridled passion for their pet projects. They are also competent communicators, and especially sociable. Hence, horse people seem well-suited for public roles like socialites, party planners and world-class entertainers.

Reportedly, among the famous leaders born in horse years are German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and British Prime Minister David Cameron. Some geomancy soothsayers are predicting that these heads of states will probably face both political challenges and opportunities in their respective roles. Perhaps! Still, that’s a typical year for most high achievers anyway. Also, even if the above forecast prove to be at least partly accurate for those world leaders, their ambitious, intuitive and intrepid attitude will enable them to harness the resourcefulness to resolve whatever problems they will face.

The same can be said about anyone with the temerity to embody the spirit of the horse. All those who wish to exemplify the audacious attributes of the horse can start by learning the techniques of a thoroughbred jockey. In so doing, they can confidently grasp the reins of the symbolic steed, skillfully steer it ahead of the pack, and be the first to ride it across the finish line.

Actually, success is not guaranteed to anyone born under any astrological animal or sign. Instead, success is most often achieved by those who have a knack for seizing the most opportune moments, taking full advantage of favorable circumstances, and pursuing their goals with unyielding determination, passion and perseverance.

Whether you were born in the year of the rat or rabbit, dragon or snake, horse or ox, your success will depend less on fate or luck and more on earnest endeavors and personal commitment to your goal achievement plan. That means, any year can be especially auspicious for anyone born under any animal sign.

By Carlton Forbes

Carlton Forbes currently teaches global English at Pusan National University in Busan. He has also authored a forthcoming book “A Few Choice Words.” He can be reached at cuforbes@gmail.com. ― Ed.