马的奔腾

传说古时的马有双翅，叫天马，它地上会跑，水中能游、天上能飞，是一种极有威力的动物，后来它在玉帝殿前做了一匹御马。

In ancient times, it is said that horses had wings and were called "Celestial Horses." They could run on land, swim in water, and fly in the sky, making them extremely powerful creatures. Later, one became the royal steed in front of the Jade Emperor's palace.

天马因玉帝宠爱，渐渐骄横起来，时常胡作非为，一日，天马出天宫，直奔东海要硬闯龙宫。

Due to the Jade Emperor's favoritism, the Celestial Horse gradually became arrogant and frequently misbehaved. One day, the Celestial Horse left the heavenly palace and headed straight for the East Sea, intending to force its way into the Dragon Palace.

守宫门的神龟及虾兵蟹将一齐阻挡，天马恼羞成怒，飞腿踢死了神桂，此事告到天宫，玉帝便下令削去天马双翅。并压在昆仑山下，300年不许翻身。

The divine turtle guarding the palace gate and the shrimp and crab soldiers all tried to block its path. Furious, the Celestial Horse kicked and killed the divine turtle. This incident was reported to the heavenly palace, and the Jade Emperor ordered the Celestial Horse to have its wings removed. It was then imprisoned under Kunlun Mountain, forbidden to turn over for 300 years.

200多年后，人类始姐——人祖，要从昆仑山经过，天宫玉马园的神仙便给天马透了信，并告诉天马如何才能众山下出来，当人祖经过时，天马大喊道：“善良的人祖，快来救我，我愿同您去人世间终生为您效力。”

Over two hundred years later, the ancestor of humanity, known as Renzu, was passing by Kunlun Mountain. The immortals in the Jade Horse Garden communicated with the Celestial Horse, informing it how to escape from beneath the mountain. When Renzu passed by, the Celestial Horse shouted, "Kind Renzu, please come and save me! I am willing to serve you for a lifetime in the human world."

人祖听了，生出同情之心，便依天马所言，砍去了山顶上的桃树，只听一声巨响，天马从昆仑山底一跃而出。

Moved by pity, Renzu followed the Celestial Horse's instructions and cut down the peach tree at the mountain's summit. With a tremendous roar, the Celestial Horse leaped out from the bottom of Kunlun Mountain.

天马为了答谢人祖救命之恩，同人祖来到人世间，终生终世为人祖效劳。

To express gratitude for its rescue, the Celestial Horse followed Renzu to the human world, serving Renzu faithfully for a lifetime throughout the ages.

平时耕地拉车、驮物、任劳任愿，在战时，披甲备鞍，征占沙场，同主人出生入死，屡建占功。

In everyday life, it plowed fields, pulled carts, and carried goods, showing diligence and willingness. In times of war, it donned armor and prepared saddles, entering the battlefield alongside its master, often achieving great feats.

从此，马和人就成了形影不离的好朋友。当玉帝准备挑选十二种动物生肖时，马成了人类最适合推选的动物之一。

From that time on, horses and humans became inseparable friends. When the Jade Emperor was choosing twelve animals for the zodiac, the horse emerged as one of the most suitable candidates.

玉帝也因马立功赎罪，有助于人而允许马当上了生肖。

Due to the horse's heroic contributions in redeeming its past transgressions and helping humans, the Jade Emperor permitted the horse to take its place in the zodiac.

马，以它的忠诚、勤恳、灵性获得了人类的认同，它成为人类的生肖是当之无愧的。

The horse, with its loyalty, hard work, and spirit, gained humanity's recognition and truly earned its place as one of the zodiac animals.

上午11时至下午1时（即“午时”），依据道士的说法，中午太阳当顶阳气达到极点，阴气渐渐增加，在阴阳换柱之时，一般物者躺着休息，只有马还习惯站着，甚至睡觉也站着，从不躺着，这样，午时就属马了。

From 11 AM to 1 PM (known as "Mushi"), according to Taoist belief, the sun is at its zenith at noon, with yang energy reaching its peak and yin energy gradually increasing. During this transition between yin and yang, most creatures lie down to rest, but horses are accustomed to standing, even sleeping while standing, never lying down. Thus, the period of noon belongs to the horse.