What is Fire Horse in Chinese?

The term "fire horse" in Chinese is 丙午 (bǐngwǔ).

Understanding "Fire Horse" in Chinese Culture

The concept of the "fire horse" is deeply rooted in the East Asian sexagenary cycle, a traditional system of numbering days and years. In Chinese, this specific combination is known as 丙午 (pinyin: bǐngwǔ).

The Sexagenary Cycle and Its Significance

The sexagenary cycle, also known as the Stems-and-Branches or Ganzhi cycle, is a sixty-year cycle that combines ten Heavenly Stems with twelve Earthly Branches. Each year in this cycle is represented by a unique pair. The "fire horse" year, 丙午, specifically represents the 43rd combination within this cycle. These cycles have historically been used for time-keeping, astrology, and divination across various East Asian cultures.

Superstitions Associated with "Fire Horse" Years

Throughout history, certain years within the sexagenary cycle have carried particular cultural significance, often accompanied by superstitions. The "fire horse" year, or 丙午, is notably associated with a specific superstition:

• Marital Omen: There is a long-standing belief that girls born in a "fire horse" year will grow up to bring misfortune to their husbands, specifically that they will cause their husbands' deaths.

This superstition, though often regarded as folklore, has historically led to observable social phenomena, such as a noticeable decline in birth rates for girls during "fire horse" years in some regions, reflecting the impact of such deeply ingrained cultural beliefs.

Here's a quick summary of the term:

For more detailed information about the "Fire Horse" concept and its cultural implications, you can refer to resources like Wikipedia's entry on Fire Horse.