As the Lunar New Year approaches on February 17, 2026, artisans across the Chinese mainland are reviving a whimsical tradition: crafting miniature horses from the oversized seed pods of Entada phaseoloides, colloquially known as matchbox beans. These organic sculptures, dubbed "pod ponies," blend ecological creativity with cultural symbolism ahead of the Year of the Horse.
The matchbox bean vine, native to subtropical regions including Yunnan, Guangdong, and Fujian, produces woody pods reaching up to two meters long. For generations, residents have transformed these natural materials into playthings and decorative items. This year, workshops from Kunming to Xiamen are teaching families to carve and assemble the pods into equine figures – complete with seed-shaped "manes" and pod segment "hooves."
"Each pony carries the texture of the forest," explains Chen Li, a third-generation craftsperson in Yunnan. "As we prepare to welcome the Horse zodiac, these creations remind us of nature's role in our cultural stories." The trend aligns with growing interest in sustainable Lunar New Year decorations, with social media platforms showcasing DIY tutorials tagged #PodPonyChallenge.
