CELEBRATING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR
Year of the Fire Horse
The Chinese New Year in 2026 starts on **February 17th**, marking the Year of the Fire Horse. As the seventh zodiac sign, the Horse symbolizes energy, intelligence, and enthusiasm. Those born under this sign are seen as lively, social, and optimistic. The Fire element enhances traits like passion, creativity, and leadership, suggesting 2026 will be a dynamic year of innovation, excitement, and bold ventures.
Elders give red envelopes containing money to children, symbolizing the passing of good fortune and blessings for the new year.
Houses display red lanterns and paper designs. Red symbolizes luck and is thought to keep evil away.
The year's key meal, celebrated on New Year's Eve, unites generations of family for a festive feast.
Food holds great significance in celebrations, with dishes often selected for their symbolic meanings tied to names or looks. The chart below showcases some of the luckiest foods and their related blessings.
Relatives unite for a grand meal to pay tribute to ancestors and cherish unity.
Day one is spent visiting elder relatives and paying them respect.
Shops reopen, and folks enjoy dumplings to wish for wealth.
The festivity ends with lanterns aglow, tasty rice balls, and lively dragon dances beneath the full moon.