Written by Joanne Villavieja
February 17, 2026 will mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year, one of the largest and most festive celebrations for the Asian community. Each Lunar New Year is represented by a different animal in a 12 year cycle. This day marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse and will last until February 5th of 2027.
The horse is the seventh animal in the Chinese horoscope (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig). There are also 5 elements used to represent each year (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). That means that this year’s Year of the Fire Horse is the first since 1966.
According to Chinese astrology, people born in the Year of the Horse (1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, and 2026) are known to be energetic, hard-working, and independent.
Lunar New Year is an event where family and friends come together to wish each other happiness and pay respect to ancestors. Traditionally, the festivities continue for about 15-16 days. Family members and friends gather at each other's homes for visits to share large meals and gifts. Families also visit temples for prayer and luck. Elders will give children red-envelopes with good luck money for the New Year. Business people in the Asian communities also celebrate the holiday with their colleagues and employees.
During this celebration there are also superstitions to be followed. Red and gold are the primary colors to wear as they symbolize good fortune. Black and white clothing are avoided as they are often worn to funerals. Any “unlucky” words that conjure images of death or misfortune are avoided in conversation. Cleaning such as sweeping or taking out the trash is avoided as it could “wash away good luck”. Practices like these and more are followed on the first day of the Lunar New Year, and for some even extending a few days after.
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