Curious about how 1990 is seen through the lens of Chinese tradition? The Chinese calendar, steeped in rich symbolism and ancient wisdom, offers a unique perspective on the year 1990—far beyond mere dates. 1990 isn’t just a number; it’s the Year of the Horse, filled with meanings, legends, and cultural significance that continue to inspire people today. The Chinese lunar calendar weaves together history, astrology, and tradition in fascinating ways.
In this article, you’ll discover the story behind the Chinese calendar, what 1990 represented, and how it shaped cultural beliefs and celebrations. Dive in to unravel the secrets of 1990 and explore what makes the Chinese calendar so captivating!
Understanding the Chinese Calendar 1990: The Year of the Metal Horse
The Chinese calendar is far more than a way to mark days and months. It’s a living record of tradition, culture, astronomy, and belief—woven together over millennia. The year 1990, marked as the Year of the Metal Horse, stands out for its unique place in both the calendar’s sequence and Chinese popular culture. Let’s explore what makes the Chinese calendar for 1990 so significant, unpacking its history, symbolism, everyday influence, and the fascinating traditions that orbit its cyclical structure.
The Origin and Structure of the Chinese Calendar
Ancient Foundations
The roots of the Chinese calendar stretch back thousands of years. Unlike the Gregorian calendar used around much of the world, the traditional Chinese system is “lunisolar.” This means it measures both the cycles of the moon (lunar months) and the sun (solar year). The earliest records show that ancient Chinese astronomers meticulously observed the skies, synchronizing the passage of time with natural rhythms.
How the Calendar Works
Each year in the Chinese calendar is identified by two key cycles:
- The Heavenly Stems (10 elements) and Earthly Branches (12 animals), creating a 60-year cycle known as the sexagenary cycle.
- The zodiac animal changes yearly (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig).
- Alongside, each year has a corresponding element (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water).
In 1990, these cycles aligned to create the Year of the Metal Horse (Gengwu).
1990 in the Chinese Calendar: When Did It Begin?
The Chinese calendar does not start on January 1. Instead, the year shifts on a movable date determined by the second new moon after the winter solstice. In 1990:
- Chinese New Year began on January 27, 1990
- The Year of the Metal Horse ended on February 14, 1991
People born between January 1 and January 26, 1990, actually belonged to the previous zodiac year—the Earth Snake. Those born from January 27 onwards were considered Metal Horses.
The Metal Horse: Symbolism and Significance
The Zodiac Horse
The Horse is the seventh sign of the Chinese zodiac, cherished for qualities like energy, charisma, intelligence, and independence. In traditional Chinese culture, horses are heroic and adventurous—symbols of speed and freedom.
The Metal Element
Chinese astrology links each animal year with one of five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Metal is associated with determination, resilience, and strength.
- Metal Horse people are often described as energetic, ambitious, and keen to tackle challenges.
- The combination suggests a year of bold actions, rapid progress, and high spirits.
Cultural Perceptions
Individuals born in Horse years are admired for their social skills and leadership potential. As Metal Horses, those born in 1990 are seen as particularly tenacious and sharp-witted.
Traditions, Festivals, and Daily Life
Anchoring Seasonal Life
For centuries, the Chinese calendar shaped agricultural life and religious practice. Farmers consulted it for planting and harvest times. Families planned weddings, business openings, and other life events on auspicious dates, which are still published annually.
Major Festivals in 1990
- Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): Starting on January 27, 1990, families reunited for feasts, lion dances, and fireworks.
- Lantern Festival: Marked the end of Chinese New Year celebrations with glowing lantern displays and riddles.
- Dragon Boat Festival: Celebrated with boat races and sticky rice dumplings in early summer.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: Families gathered under the moonlight to enjoy mooncakes and share stories.
Each festival is tied to specific dates in the lunar calendar, making the Chinese calendar essential for cultural life.
The Lunar and Solar Terms
Crucially, the calendar also includes 24 “solar terms,” each marking a stage in the agricultural or seasonal cycle, such as the beginning of spring, the arrival of rain, or the coldest days of winter. These are still used in China today to track seasons for farming and traditional health practices.
Variations and Related Concepts
Types of Chinese Calendars
While the traditional lunisolar calendar remains influential, modern China uses the Gregorian calendar for most civil purposes. However, the lunar calendar is consulted for selecting auspicious days, festival planning, and horoscopes.
The Sexagenary Cycle
The cycle of 60 combinations from the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches is unique to Chinese culture. 1990’s designation was “Gengwu” (Metal Horse):
- “Geng” (Heavenly Stem) = Yang Metal
- “Wu” (Earthly Branch) = Horse
Every 60 years, the calendar repeats this pairing, making 1990 notable for everyone with a Metal Horse birth year—including those born in 1930 or 2050.
Cultural Meaning, Legends, and Anecdotes
Horses in Chinese Mythology
In countless Chinese legends, horses are more than animals—they are companions to heroes, symbols of empire-building, and mystical creatures capable of flight. The famous “Heavenly Horses” (Tianma) were said to bring luck and are frequently shown in traditional painting.
Myths of the Zodiac
Legend has it the Jade Emperor held a race to determine the zodiac order. The Horse almost finished sixth, but the cunning Snake scared it, causing Horse to shy away and land in seventh place.
Lucky Signs and Superstitions
- Lucky numbers for 1990 Metal Horses: 2 and 7
- Lucky colors: Red and yellow
- Unlucky directions or times: Traditionally, people consult fortune tellers using the calendar to avoid negative energies and pick lucky dates for important events.
The Chinese Calendar in Modern Times
Continued Relevance
Despite modernization, the Chinese calendar retains importance:
- Used for horoscopes and compatibility checks
- Determines festival dates and public holidays
- Guides rituals in business, weddings, and funerals
- Its zodiac motifs inspire pop culture, fashion, and even brand marketing
The Metal Horse Generation
Many people born in 1990 and their families still celebrate their zodiac animal on milestone birthdays, referencing traditional traits in social media, school reunions, or personal branding.
Interplay with the Gregorian Calendar
Today, most Chinese daily life runs on the Western system; however, the lunar calendar is revived every New Year, for dream interpretation, and for feng shui consultations.
Interesting Facts and Anecdotes
- People born on the Chinese New Year’s Day (January 27, 1990) are often believed to possess doubled-good luck.
- Some families keep traditional “almanac” calendars at home—thick booklets packed with auspicious dates for every imaginable undertaking.
- The 1990s saw a surge in popularity for zodiac memorabilia, with coins, stamps, and artworks featuring the Horse.
Conclusion
The Chinese calendar of 1990 is more than a collection of dates—it’s a window into a vibrant cultural system that blends astronomy, folklore, and everyday life. From the energetic symbolism of the Metal Horse to the rhythms of festivals and daily rituals, this calendar year bridges the ancient and the modern. Whether you’re celebrating your own Horse-year birthday or simply intrigued by another way of measuring time, understanding the Chinese calendar will add a new dimension to how you see tradition and identity in the Chinese cultural landscape.
FAQ
What animal is 1990 in the Chinese zodiac?
1990 is the Year of the Horse. People born from January 27, 1990, to February 14, 1991, belong to this zodiac. The horse signifies energy, independence, and charisma.
What element is associated with 1990 in the Chinese zodiac?
The element is Metal. Therefore, 1990 is the Year of the Metal Horse, associated with strength, confidence, and persistence.
If I was born in January 1990, which zodiac sign am I?
If your birthday was before the Chinese New Year on January 27, 1990, you’re actually an Earth Snake (the zodiac from the previous year). Birthdays from January 27 onwards are Metal Horse.
When did the Chinese New Year start in 1990?
Chinese New Year began on January 27, 1990, starting the Year of the Horse.
How does the Chinese calendar differ from the Western (Gregorian) calendar?
The Chinese calendar is lunisolar, using both moon phases and solar cycles, while the Gregorian is purely solar. The Chinese year changes on a shifting date (the second new moon after the winter solstice).
What major Chinese festivals occurred in 1990?
Key festivals included the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival—all timed by the lunar calendar.
What are the personality traits of people born in the Year of the Metal Horse?
They’re considered energetic, adventurous, clever, and determined. Metal gives them added resilience and boldness.
How is the Chinese calendar still used today?
It guides festival dates, wedding planning, business openings, funeral rites, and horoscope readings. Many Chinese families keep a lunar calendar alongside the Gregorian one.
What is the sexagenary cycle, and where does 1990 fit?
The sexagenary cycle is a sequence of 60-year combinations of heavenly stems and earthly branches. 1990 is a Gengwu year (“Metal Horse”), the 7th animal with the “Yang Metal” stem.
Are there any traditional objects or art connected to the 1990 Horse Year?
Yes! The Horse appears in zodiac-themed paintings, stamps, coins, decorative paper cuttings, and even toys released that year, often given as gifts for good luck and celebration.
