Happy (or Sad) Year of the Horse

Painter Xu Beihong's depiction of lively horses

Happy New Year of the Horse!

新年快乐！恭喜发财！龙马精神！

This year's mascot has been a big hit -- the plush horse with the upside down smile that was a manufacturing mistake in a factory in eastern China.

For many young people, the unhappy horse reflects how they truly feel about how life is for them these days.

Your choice of a happy or sad plush horse

They call themselves niu ma (牛马) or "cattle horse", a euphemism for how they feel overworked in their office jobs.

"This little horse looks so sad and pitiful, just like the way I feel at work," said a netizen called Tuan Tuan Mami.

"With this crying toy in the Year of the Horse, I hope to leave all my grievances at work behind and keep only happiness."

Another person who bought the sad plush horse said it was more relatable than their smiling counterparts.

"Imperfect is the true reflection of ordinary people. Our flaws are what make life truly vibrant," they wrote online.

Demand for the "cry-cry horse" was so high that the factory had to quickly add 10 more production lines.

The company even reportedly applied for an appearance patent for the sad-faced horse, and expanded its merchandise to include items like keychains and travel neck pillows.

So for those celebrating the Lunar New Year and trying to keep it together for the next few days while visiting relatives, the sad horse knows exactly what you're going through.

加油！