2026 is the Year of the Horse, and it doesn’t arrive quietly.
It comes with spring in its step, a bit of noise, and a lot of forward momentum.
When the official Horse Year mascots were revealed in China, people instantly fell in love. Four spirited little horses—Qí Qí, Jì Jì, Chí Chí, and Chěng Chěng—bounded into view, full of personality and charm. Say their names together and you’ll hear it: Qí Jì Chí Chěng—a playful homophone for “miracle.” Cute? Yes. But also meaningful. These horses carry the idea that movement itself can create change.
In Chinese culture, the Horse has always symbolized courage, progress, and responsibility. Horses don’t hesitate for long. They move, they carry, they push forward. And the Year of the Horse gently reminds us of something many of us forget: it’s okay to start again. From zero, from uncertainty, from wherever you are. Strength isn’t just speed—it’s character, endurance, and the willingness to keep going.
Traditionally, 2026 is also seen as a year of big shifts. Old patterns break. New paths appear. It’s known as a “double fire” year—full of intensity, warmth, and motion. In folk beliefs, your zodiac year often comes with Tai Sui, a time when life can feel a little unpredictable. That’s why red shows up everywhere. Red strings, red clothing, red accents. Not because life needs superstition, but because people need reassurance. Red is warmth. Red is courage. Red says, “I’m ready for what’s coming.”
High energy doesn’t always mean chaos. Sometimes it means opportunity knocking—loudly. The fire of the Horse Year doesn’t ask us to rush blindly, but it does invite us to stop standing still. There are moments when stepping forward, even imperfectly, is better than waiting forever.
At Made in Place, we see 2026 as a year where opposites learn to work together. Fire meets water. Intensity meets balance. Movement meets care. To honor the spirit of the Horse Year, we’ve prepared red string pieces inspired by traditional zodiac protection customs—simple companions meant to ground you, not overwhelm you. Objects, to us, are never just objects. They carry quiet wishes. They remember where you’ve been. They stay with you as life changes.
As the Year of the Horse begins, we continue doing what we’ve always done—traveling slowly, listening closely, and collecting stories rooted in place. Made in Place exists for the everyday rituals that shape real lives: tea poured with intention, objects chosen with care, moments of pause in a fast-moving world.
May 2026 bring you steady steps and surprising turns. May old struggles soften into lessons. May each day feel a little more aligned than the last. In the spirit of the Horse, we move forward—not in a rush, but with heart, curiosity, and purpose—continuing to discover the beauty hidden in places near and far.
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