January 14, 2026 
Tuesday, 17th February 2026 marks the beginning of the new lunar year. This year will be the Year of the Horse, the seventh of all zodiac animals. This period stands out for its energy, freedom, and adventure, emphasising action, optimism, and dynamic progress. It invites a year of enthusiasm, exploration, and strong social bonds among friends and family.
Also known as Chinese New Year, Spring Festival, or Chunjie (China); Tet (Vietnam); Seollal (Korea); or Losar (Tibet), Lunar New Year is celebrated by about 1.5 billion people around the world!
Lunar New Year Around the World
Chinese New Year is China’s most important traditional festival, celebrated at the start of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Chinese New Year can begin anytime between late January and mid-February.
People from across Asia observe the Lunar New Year – China, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, The Philippines, and more. Many people from these countries, or with this heritage, travel long distances to visit family for this holiday.
Lunar New Year Traditions
Chinese New Year is China’s most important traditional festival, celebrated at the start of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Chinese New Year can begin anytime between late January and mid-February.
In each country, festivities and traditions differ. Many cultures celebrate with:
- Lucky money envelopes (or lai see, ang bao, hong bao, or li xi): These red envelopes contain money and are given to children and younger family members to bring good luck.
- Symbolic foods (think: dumplings, rice cake soup, whole steamed fish, moon cakes, and fruits): Each region has its own special foods. For example, in China, fish symbolises abundance, while in Vietnam, sticky rice cakes are a must. Traditional foods include dumplings, fish, rice cakes, and other dishes that symbolise abundance, luck, and prosperity.
- Traditional dress: Wearing new clothes symbolises a fresh start. Red is a popular colour as it represents good luck and happiness. In Korea, traditional clothing like the hanbok is often worn.
- Prayers to ancestors: Families visit temples to pray for good luck, make food offerings, and burn incense for gods and ancestors. In Vietnam, families burn incense and invite ancestors to join the celebrations. This practice is also common in other countries, where younger generations honour their elders with special greetings and gifts.
- Lion and dragon dances: These are common in many countries, symbolising power, wisdom, and good fortune. The dances are often accompanied by loud music, firecrackers, and vibrant costumes to ward off evil spirits.
- Firecrackers: At midnight on New Year’s Day, firecrackers and fireworks are set off to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. This tradition is believed to scare away evil spirits.
- Spring cleaning: This tradition involves thoroughly cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune. It often includes moving furniture, making repairs, and washing windows.
These traditions vary slightly from country to country but share common themes of family, prosperity, and good fortune. They make the Lunar New Year a vibrant and meaningful celebration for millions of people around the world.
The Story Behind the Lunar New Year
The lunar calendar has a 12-year cycle, following the moon phases, or synodic (lunar) months. Because of the Earth’s constant orbit around the Sun, the Moon must travel slightly more than 360 degrees to reach the next new moon.
The sidereal month (the time it takes for the Moon to orbit 360° around the Earth in a ‘fixed’ circuit) is shorter than the lunar or synodic month. The synodic month measures the actual moon phases; i.e. from one next moon to the next.
Thus, the dates of the holiday will differ slightly each year, and generally falls between 21 January and 20 February.
The most widely recognised and used calendar worldwide is the Gregorian calendar, dating back to 1582; the time of Pope Gregory XIII. The Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar system that originally evolved out of a lunar calendar system.
What’s in Store This Year?
According to the zodiac, this particular year will be under the protection of the sign of the Horse. The Horse is known for its vitality, independence, and charisma. It is a symbol of freedom, speed, and unbridled energy.
Of the five elements of Chinese cosmology (metal, water, wood, fire, and earth), 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, blending fiery passion with dynamic movement. Horses symbolise enthusiasm, quick thinking, and sociability.
The Year of the Fire Horse (2026) is expected to bring opportunities for bold actions, travel, and social expansion. It could be a year for pursuing ambitions, embracing change, and enjoying life’s adventures. Horses encourage optimism, courage, and rapid progress.
The next Fire Horse year won’t occur until 2058, underscoring the uniqueness of this period.
Life is a journey, and the Year of the Snake promises to bring introspection and opportunities for those ready to embrace them.
The most recent years of the Snake are 1977, 1989, 2001, and 2013. For fashion, art, and feng shui, the lucky colours for the Snake this year are black, red, and yellow. The lucky numbers are 2, 8, and 9.
So, as a warm welcome to the new lunar year, may we all say:
春节快乐 – Happy Spring Festival! (Mandarin)
恭喜发财 – Wishing You Wealth and Prosperity (Cantonese)
Chúc mừng năm mới – Happy New Year (Vietnamese)
