Sad Toy Horse Becomes Very Popular in China

A toy horse made for Lunar New Year is now very popular in China. It has a sad face because of a mistake when it was made. Many young workers feel it shows their own stress from work.
By Newsroom | Toys, China |

A toy horse, intended to celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse, has unexpectedly become a massive bestseller in China. This success is attributed to a manufacturing error that caused the horse's mouth to be sewn upside down, giving it a sad, frowning appearance. This "crying horse" has resonated deeply with consumers, particularly young white-collar workers, who see its expression as a reflection of their own stress and long working hours. The demand has been so intense that the toy has repeatedly sold out and been restocked.

Slate Crossword: Plushie Made for Lunar New Year That Went Viral After Its Smile Came Out Upside Down (11 Letters) - 1

Background of the Phenomenon

The Lunar New Year is a significant cultural event in China, with each year associated with one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. The upcoming year was designated the Year of the Horse, making a horse-themed toy a logical choice for seasonal merchandise. However, the intended festive design for this particular plush horse was altered by a simple, yet impactful, mistake in the manufacturing process.

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Slate Crossword: Plushie Made for Lunar New Year That Went Viral After Its Smile Came Out Upside Down (11 Letters) - 2

  • Origin of the Toy: A plush horse was produced with the intention of being a cheerful item for Lunar New Year celebrations.

  • The Error: A factory worker accidentally sewed the horse's mouth upside down.

  • Initial Reaction: The owner of the shop, Zhang Huoqing of the "Happy Sister" store in Yiwu, initially offered a refund when a customer pointed out the defect.

  • Customer's Decision: The customer did not return the toy, and subsequently, photos of the "crying horse" began circulating online.

The Rise of the 'Crying Horse'

Once photos of the horse with its upside-down mouth appeared on social media, the item rapidly gained traction. The unusual expression, far from being seen as a flaw, struck a chord with many.

Slate Crossword: Plushie Made for Lunar New Year That Went Viral After Its Smile Came Out Upside Down (11 Letters) - 3

  • Viral Spread: Images and videos of the "crying horse" were shared widely across Chinese social media platforms.

  • Relatability: Many consumers, especially younger professionals in China, found the horse's sad expression to be a relatable symbol of their demanding work lives and the pressures of "hustle culture."

  • Demand Surge: This widespread resonance translated into a significant increase in demand. Sellers reported that the toy sold out quickly and that restocking efforts were constant.

  • Commercialization of the Error: Recognizing the immense popularity of the flawed toy, the shop owner began to intentionally produce more of the "crying horse" variant. Some sellers even began offering both sad and smiling versions, allowing consumers to choose.

Symbolism and Market Reaction

The "crying horse" has transcended its status as a simple toy to become a cultural symbol. Its success has also been noted by industry observers.

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Slate Crossword: Plushie Made for Lunar New Year That Went Viral After Its Smile Came Out Upside Down (11 Letters) - 4

  • Embodiment of Mood: The toy has been described as capturing the mood of the nation, particularly the disillusionment felt by some due to demanding work environments.

  • "Hustle Culture" Icon: It has become an icon for the challenges faced by white-collar workers, representing the exhaustion and stress associated with long hours.

  • Smart Business Move: Despite questions about the authenticity of the "manufacturing error" story, some experts view the rapid embrace and mass production of the defective toy as a shrewd business strategy.

Production and Distribution

The demand for the "crying horse" has led to a significant scaling up of production and has even extended to international markets.

  • High Volume Production: The shop is now reportedly producing tens of thousands of units daily to meet demand.

  • Global Reach: The toy is not only popular within China but is also being shipped abroad.

  • Counterfeit Concerns: The intense popularity has also led to the emergence of knockoff versions in the market.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the toy horse sad?
The horse's mouth was sewn the wrong way by accident during making. This made it look sad.
Q: Why do people like the sad horse toy?
Many young people in China feel stressed from work. They see the sad face and feel it shows their own feelings.
Q: Is the toy selling well?
Yes, it is very popular. It has sold out many times and more are being made quickly.
Q: Was the sad face on purpose?
It started as a mistake. But now, sellers are making more on purpose because people like it so much.