As millions of people across Asia and beyond prepare for the Lunar New Year, 2026 comes with the symbolism of the Year of the Horse – a sign traditionally associated with movement, drive and momentum in Chinese astrology. For many families, the festival means more than just a change of date; it’s a cultural reset rooted in renewal, reunion and hope for the months ahead.
Lunar New Year is one of the most widespread holidays in the world. Although closely associated with Chinese traditions – where it is also called the Spring Festival – it is celebrated in different regions under different names, from Seollal in Korea to Tết in Vietnam, and has gained recognition beyond the borders of Asia. Its origins lie in ancient agricultural cycles, when sowing and harvesting were governed by the lunar calendar, and over the centuries these rhythms have become intertwined with astrology and folklore.
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Why 2026 is the year of the horse
The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle represented by animals in a fixed order: Rat, Buffalo, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. A person’s zodiac sign is determined by their year of birth, which means that children born during the lunar year 2026 will be horses. People born in the previous lunar year fall under the sign of the snake, while those born after the New Year 2027 will belong to the goat, CNN reported.
Each year of the zodiac also combines an animal with one of the five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal or water – classified as yin or yang. In 2026, the heavenly stem is “Bing” (associated with fire) and the earthly branch is “Wu” (horse), which together form the year of the fiery horse. Followers of Chinese astrology believe that the interaction of these elements affects the overall tone of the year.
Astrological interpretations often take into account the position of the Tai Sui, a group of deities believed to move opposite Jupiter. While geomancy practitioners may differ on the details, there is usually broad agreement on the general themes expected for each zodiac sign. For this reason, many people use the Lunar New Year period to visit temples and seek blessings tailored to their birth sign.
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When is Chinese New Year 2026?
In 2026, Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17, coinciding with the first new moon of the lunar calendar. The official holiday period runs from February 15th to February 23rd, culminating in the Lantern Festival on March 3rd. Although the dates in the Gregorian calendar shift each year, the Lunar New Year always occurs between January 21 and February 20. In 2027, the festival will begin on February 6, ushering in the Year of the Goat.
How the Chinese zodiac works
The Chinese zodiac operates on two overlapping cycles: a 12-year animal cycle and a 60-year elemental cycle formed by the pairing of the five elements with yin and yang. The combination of each year is believed to shape the character of the period and the generation born in it.
This system differs from Western astrology, which assigns zodiac signs based on birth month and sun position. Chinese astrology instead focuses on year of birth and collective traits, emphasizing balance with natural and cosmic cycles rather than individual psychology, Elle reported.
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The previous year of the Fire Horse was 1966. The pairing is often described in traditional texts as energetic and powerful, if also intense. Historical records record a superstition surrounding the years of the Fire Horse, especially when it comes to women born under this sign. As noted in academic studies, including those referenced by the Journal of the Chinese Medical Association, the decline in birth rates during 1966 was later linked to social factors such as increased contraceptive use, rather than astrology itself. Still, the Fire Horse retains a reputation for courage and upheaval in popular belief.
How to celebrate Chinese New Year
Preparations usually begin with a thorough house cleaning, a ritual to remove bad luck from the outgoing year and make room for good fortune. Since the Year of the Snake gives way to the forward energy associated with the Horse, this act carries symbolic weight for many households.
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New Year’s Eve is marked by shared dinners with dishes rich in meaning: fish for abundance, dumplings shaped like ancient silver ingots for prosperity, and sticky rice cake as a sign of growth. Houses are decorated in red – through lanterns, couplets and paper cut-outs – a color traditionally believed to ward off negative forces.
Duties continue until the first day of the year. Sweeping or taking out the trash is often avoided because it is believed to sweep away newly arrived wealth. Instead, families visit temples, watch lion and dragon dances, and exchange red envelopes or hongbao, especially with children and the elderly.
Celebrations vary in different cultures. According to National Geographic, Seollal in Korea places great emphasis on honoring elders, with traditional clothing being worn during ceremonies. In Vietnam, Tết includes rituals worshiping household deities believed to protect families. Some ethnic communities in China celebrate the New Year at different times, aligning the festivities with local agricultural calendars.
For followers, the Year of the Fire Horse is seen as a period of decisive energy. Whether one approaches it through ritual, reflection, or family gatherings, the Lunar New Year remains a moment to pause, reset, and intentionally move forward.