1978 Chinese zodiac: year of the Earth Horse
1978 was the year of the Earth Horse in the Chinese zodiac. It began on 7 February 1978 and ended on 27 January 1979.
1978 is the year of the Earth Horse (Yang). The Chinese year of the Horse ran from 7 February 1978 to 27 January 1979, so anyone born between those dates is a Earth Horse. Babies born in 1978 before 7 February 1978 belong to the Fire Snake of 1977.
1978 Earth Horse personality
People born in the year of the Horse are energetic, free-spirited and warm. Their strengths are enthusiasm, independence and a love of movement; their watch-outs are impatience and losing interest quickly.
The Earth element adds stability, practicality and patience, so the Earth Horse of 1978 combines the Horse's nature with earth qualities. Yang years are traditionally seen as outgoing and active.
Careers that suit the Horse: travel, sales, sport, journalism, performing arts.
Born in January or February 1978?
The Chinese year does not start on 1 January. In 1978, Chinese New Year fell on 7 February 1978.
- Born 7 February 1978 or later in 1978: Earth Horse.
- Born 1 January – 6 February 1978: Fire Snake (1977 sign).
Horse compatibility
| Match | Signs |
|---|---|
| Best (same triangle) | Tiger, Dog |
| Secret friend | Goat |
| Traditional clash | Rat |
Other Horse years
1942, 1954, 1966, 1990, 2002, 2014. The Earth Horse itself returns in 2038.
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Frequently asked questions
What Chinese zodiac is 1978?
The Earth Horse, for births from 7 February 1978 to 27 January 1979.
What if I was born in January or early February 1978?
If you were born before 7 February 1978, your sign is the Fire Snake of 1977, because the Chinese year had not yet changed.
What element is 1978 in the Chinese zodiac?
Earth (Yang). Earth is linked with stability, practicality and patience; its colour is yellow and brown.
Which signs are compatible with the Horse?
Best matches are the Tiger and Dog, plus the Goat as a "secret friend". The traditional clash is with the Rat.
When is the next Earth Horse year?
2038. The same animal and element combination returns every 60 years.
How old is someone born in 1978 in 2026?
They turn 48 during 2026.
Source and method
Chinese New Year dates (China Standard Time) were cross-checked against two independent lunar-calendar tables and published listings. Animals and elements follow the traditional 60-year (sexagenary) cycle.