Lunar New Year 2026: Fire Horse Unleashed!

Billions worldwide are celebrating the Lunar New Year, which in 2026 begins on February 17th. This festival, unlike the solar New Year, is dictated by the moon's rhythm, starting with the first new moon of the lunar calendar. The 15-day celebration culminates with the Lantern Festival on the first full moon of the new lunar year.

This year marks the Year of the Fire Horse, a zodiac sign known for its energetic and action-oriented nature. This symbolism influences the holiday's themes of renewal, a clearing of old misfortune, and an invitation to fresh fortune. Traditions like cleaning homes before the new year and the prominent use of the color red for luck and protection are central.

Fireworks and firecrackers are integral, tied to folklore meant to scare away a monster named Nian. Family gatherings, particularly the New Year's Eve dinner, underscore togetherness. Children eagerly anticipate receiving red envelopes filled with "lucky money" from elders, often containing amounts with the number eight for good fortune.

The Fire Horse year, according to the Chinese zodiac's 12-animal cycle, is anticipated to be a period of swift decisions and actions, embodying a faster tempo than previous years. This energetic theme extends to how people interpret the year ahead, with Horse years generally seen as periods of momentum.