In traditional Chinese culture, time is often understood as cyclical rather than purely linear. One important way of naming years comes from the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, an ancient system that creates a repeating 60-year cycle. Each year in this cycle has a specific name.
One of these names is Bing-Wu, commonly translated as the Fire Horse or Red Horse Year. The word “red” comes from fire in the traditional five-element system, and “horse” comes from the zodiac sign associated with that year.
This system is not a method of prediction. It does not claim that certain events must happen. Instead, it is a cultural framework that helps people organize time and reflect on history.
Why does 1966 matter?
The year 1966 was a Red Horse Year. It is remembered because it marked the beginning of the Cultural Revolution, a period of intense political campaigns and social disruption in China.
During this time:
- Schools and universities were widely closed or disrupted
- Government and legal institutions stopped functioning normally
- Large political movements involved students and civilians
- Social trust and professional systems were severely damaged
For many Chinese families, 1966 is remembered not simply as a year, but as a moment when everyday life suddenly changed. Because this major historical turning point began in a Red Horse Year, the date became deeply embedded in collective memory. The calendar did not cause the events, but the coincidence was remembered.
Why is 2026 mentioned?
Because the traditional calendar repeats every 60 years, 2026 is also a Red Horse Year.
In early 2026, China faced a very different situation from 1966, but one that was still complex. Economic pressure, demographic change, and a tense international environment created uncertainty. During this period, both domestic and international observers paid closer attention to questions of institutional stability and leadership continuity.
At the end of January 2026, China’s Ministry of National Defense announced that Zhang Youxia, a Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (China’s highest military decision-making body), was placed under investigation for “serious violations of discipline and law.” Another senior officer was also investigated. The official statement did not describe the case as an arrest, and no detailed charges were made public at the time.
International reporting described the case as one of the most high-profile military discipline investigations in recent years. Analysts noted that actions involving leaders at this level can create internal uncertainty, but they also emphasized that this does not mean China is repeating the events of 1966.
When people today mention the Red Horse Year, they are usually expressing historical awareness. The 60-year cycle offers a way to compare generations, remember turning points, and think about long-term change.
For overseas readers, the Red Horse Year is best understood as part of Chinese cultural memory — a way of connecting time, history, and reflection.
什么是赤马年？为什么人们会把1966年和2026年联系在一起？
在中国传统文化中，时间常被理解为一种循环，而不仅是线性的推进。中国有一套古老的纪年方式，称为天干地支，两者组合形成一个不断重复的六十年周期，每一年都有一个特定名称。
其中，“丙午”这一年常被称为火马年或赤马年。“赤”来自五行中的火，“马”则来自对应的生肖。
这套体系并不是用来预测未来的，而是一种帮助人们回顾历史的方法。
为什么1966年重要？
1966年正是赤马年。这一年标志着文化大革命的开始，中国社会随后经历了长期而深刻的动荡。
在这一时期：
- 学校和大学大范围停课
- 政府和法律机构无法正常运作
- 群众政治运动广泛展开
- 社会信任和专业体系受到严重破坏
对许多中国家庭来说，1966年不仅是一个年份，而是日常生活突然被打断的起点。正因为这一重大历史转折发生在赤马年，这个时间点被牢牢记住。
为什么会提到2026年？
由于天干地支以六十年为一轮，2026年再次进入赤马年。
在2026年初，中国所面临的环境与1966年完全不同，但同样复杂，包括经济压力、人口结构变化以及紧张的国际局势。在这种背景下，社会和国际舆论更关注制度稳定和领导层的连续性。
2026年1月下旬，中国国防部通报，中央军委副主席、资深将领张又侠因涉嫌“严重违纪违法”被立案审查调查，同时还有另一名高级军官接受调查。官方通报中使用的是“调查”表述，并未公开说明为“逮捕”，也未披露具体细节。
国际媒体普遍认为，这是近年来军方系统中级别极高、影响较大的纪律调查之一。分析人士指出，这类事件可能在体制内部带来震荡，谁也不知道社会会不会重演1966年的全面动荡，或更严重。这堪比1971年的林彪“九一三事件”，使中共政局进入了一个变幻莫测的新阶段。
六十年的时间循环，为人们提供了一种对照过去、理解变化的文化视角。
对海外读者而言，了解赤马年可更有助于了解中国历史。