Crying Horse Plush Surges in Popularity Ahead of Lunar New Year in China

As Lunar New Year approaches, a plush horse with a melancholy expression has unexpectedly become a viral hit in China, reflecting a mix of cultural symbolism and contemporary workplace sentiment. The toy, initially produced by mistake, has struck a chord with young adults navigating demanding professional lives.

The plush, about 20cm tall and priced at 25 yuan (£2.62), was created by a small shop in Yiwu named Happy Sister. According to owner Zhang Huoqing, a worker accidentally sewed a smile upside down, giving the horse a frowning expression. “I expected to issue a refund, but when images circulated online, it started selling out almost immediately,” Zhang said.

The toy’s appearance seems to resonate with China’s workforce. Customers have likened the frowning horse to the emotional reality of office life, contrasting it with a smiling version that represents leisure and personal time. “This crying horse really fits the reality of modern working people,” Zhang said.

Social media attention quickly amplified its popularity. One buyer, known online as Tuan Tuan Mami, told the South China Morning Post, “This little horse looks so sad and pitiful, just like the way I feel at work. With this crying toy in the Year of the Horse, I hope to leave all my grievances at work behind and keep only happiness.”

The toy’s design incorporates traditional Lunar New Year symbolism. It is red for good fortune, features a golden collar and bell, and has “money comes quickly” embroidered in gold thread. Despite its unintended frown, these elements reinforce conventional New Year wishes for prosperity and luck.

Other shop owners in Yiwu noted the toy’s emotional appeal. Lou Zhenxian told Reuters that while the toy may appear “ugly,” it embodies a type of emotional resonance popular among young consumers. She said the toy mirrors the emotional shift many workers experience: a long day of professional strain followed by personal joy. Lou also cautioned, however, that extreme contrasts between work and leisure might not be ideal, emphasizing balance as key to modern life.

Zhang’s factory has ramped up production to meet domestic and international demand, with reports suggesting that orders are coming from outside China as well. The trend illustrates how a minor production error, when paired with cultural timing and social media amplification, can generate widespread consumer engagement.

The upcoming Lunar New Year, which falls in February, will mark the start of the Year of the Horse—one of twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac cycle. While traditionally associated with strength, loyalty, and energy, this year’s toy trend highlights a nuanced blend of cultural tradition and modern workplace sentiment among younger generations in China.