In the Japanese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Horse—a powerful symbol of vitality, bold leaps, and good fortune for those ready to take on new challenges. The guardian deity of this auspicious year is Seishi Bodhisattva, the Buddhist embodiment of wisdom and compassion.
Did you know that the tradition of leaving “ema” wooden votive plaques at Japanese shrines originated from the custom of offering actual horses? This tradition became more symbolic over time, and today it is common to instead offer simply shaped plaques painted with images of horses or other auspicious symbols.
Hatsuuma, meaning “the first day of the horse,” falls on February 1st in 2026. It is celebrated in many unique ways such as through cooking ceremonial food in Sanzen-in Temple or preparing lucky charms made with cedar wood at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
