February 17 marks the start of the Lunar New Year, often known as the Chinese New Year. This is the year of the Horse and follows the year of the Snake. Here's what you need to know:
When does Lunar New Year 2026 start?
The Lunar New Year begins on February 17, 2026.
When does it end?
The celebrations last until February 5, 2027.
Is Chinese New Year the same as Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is a general term that includes all new year celebrations according to the lunar calendar.
More than a dozen countries celebrate this period, including Vietnam, where it is called Tet, and South Korea, where it is known as Seollal. Although the date often coincides, the traditions and ways of celebrating vary from country to country. In China, this holiday is known as the Spring Festival and is considered the most important holiday of the year. The festive season lasts for 15 days and ends with the Lantern Festival.
Why does the date change every year?
The Lunar New Year is usually celebrated on the second new moon after the winter solstice. This year, the new moon falls on February 17, 2026, marking the beginning of a new cycle.
Year of the Horse or Year of the Fire Horse?
Both are correct. The Chinese zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle of animal signs. In parallel, there are five elements that rotate each year: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. In 2026, the combination is the Horse with the element of fire. This combination occurs once every 60 years, and the last time was in 1966.
The years of the Horse include: 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942...
What does the Fire Horse symbolize?
According to traditional interpretation, this year is associated with:
- Great transformation and change
- Breaking old patterns
- Strong energy, but requiring wise leadership
- Powerful opportunities for personal growth
It is a dynamic year, filled with important movements and decisions.
What is said about those born in the year of the Horse?
According to Chinese astrology, people born in the year of the Horse are:
- Self-confident
- Energetic and intelligent
- Sociable and likeable
- Determined and with a leadership spirit
They love freedom and don't like to be restricted by others. They are ambitious, but they can become impatient or bored quickly.
Horse Strengths: Enthusiasm, courage, passion, eloquence, leadership skills.
Weaknesses: Easily bored, can leave things half-done, tendency for attention and praise, impulsiveness
In Chinese culture, the Horse is known for its energetic and dynamic nature. It symbolizes vitality, speed, and perseverance. It is believed that people born in the Year of the Horse share similar traits, such as a desire to work, kindness, and independence.
Those born in the years of the Tiger , Rabbit , Dragon , Dog and Goat may have positive progress . Those born in the years of the Snake , Monkey , Rooster , Ox and Pig should benefit from concentration and being down to earth . Those born in the years of the Horse and Rat may have good luck and will benefit from being very alert.
If you are curious about your Chinese horoscope sign:
Mouse: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Ox: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Tiger: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Rabbit: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Dragon: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Snake: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Horse: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Goat: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Monkey: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Rooster: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Dog: 1946, 1958, 1970. 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Pig: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
