Chinese New Year 2026: The Year of the Red Fire Horse and Its Traditions

The Chinese New Year is one of the oldest and most large-scale holidays in Eastern culture. This festival, also known as the Spring Festival, is celebrated according to the lunar calendar and symbolizes the renewal of nature and the beginning of a new life cycle. In 2026, millions of people around the world will welcome the year of the Red Fire Horse — a symbol of passion, energy, and rapid change.

When the Chinese New Year begins in 2026

The celebration of the Eastern New Year is determined by the lunisolar calendar and falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. In 2026, this astronomical event will occur on February 17, which will mark the official start date of the new year according to the Chinese calendar. According to the traditional Chinese calendar, the 4723rd year will begin, and the celebrations will last a full 15 days — until March 3, 2026, ending with the grand Lantern Festival. It is important to note that the European New Year, celebrated on January 1 according to the Gregorian calendar, is observed much more modestly in China. Shopping centers are decorated with Christmas trees and Santa Claus figures; however, large-scale public festivities and family feasts are specifically associated with the Lunar New Year.

The origins of the holiday

The roots of the Chinese New Year go back thousands of years. According to historical sources, the tradition originated more than 4,000 years ago under Emperor Yu Shun, who gathered his ministers to worship heaven and earth. This day was proclaimed the first day of the first lunar month and marked the beginning of the annual celebration.

The legend of the monster Nian

One popular legend tells of a mythical creature named Nian (which translates as “year”), which would come to villages every year on the first day of the new year, destroying crops and abducting livestock and people. One day, villagers discovered that the monster was afraid of three things: the color red, loud noises, and fire. Since then, the Chinese have welcomed the New Year with noisy fireworks, decorated their homes with red lanterns, and organized mass processions accompanied by drum beats. After the transition to the Gregorian calendar at the beginning of the 20th century, the traditional holiday received the official name Spring Festival, although the weather in February may still be wintery. The name symbolizes hope for renewal and prosperity in the coming year.

The symbol of 2026 — the Red Fire Horse

In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with one of the twelve zodiac animals and one of the five elements. This unique combination repeats only once every 60 years, creating the special energy of each year.

Characteristics of the Year of the Horse

The Horse in the Chinese zodiac embodies a love of freedom, dynamism, and independence. People born under this sign are characterized by charisma, ambition, and energy. They are impulsive, enjoy being the center of attention, and always act according to their beliefs. The combination of the Horse with the Fire element enhances all these qualities, adding passion, determination, and creative power. The year promises to be filled with change and opportunities for those who are ready to act boldly and decisively.

Favorable signs

In 2026, representatives of the Tiger, Rabbit, Dog, Pig, and Goat signs will enjoy special luck. Other signs are advised to show prudence and thoughtfulness when making important decisions.

Lucky colors of the year

To attract prosperity in the Year of the Horse, it is recommended to use green and yellow colors. However, red remains a universal talisman of good fortune regardless of zodiac sign — the Chinese believe it attracts success and drives away evil spirits. Blue and white are considered unfavorable colors.

Traditions of celebrating the Chinese New Year

Preparation for the holiday

Preparations begin several weeks before the New Year. The main tradition is a thorough house cleaning, symbolizing getting rid of misfortune and hardships from the past year. The Chinese believe that cleaning “sweeps away” all negativity, making room for luck and prosperity. After cleaning, the home is decorated with festive décor. Paired strips of red paper with poetic wishes for happiness and prosperity are placed on doors. A special place is given to the character “fu” (happiness), which is often hung upside down — the word “upside down” sounds the same as “to arrive,” so this arrangement is read as “happiness arrives.”

New Year’s Eve dinner

The festive meal on New Year’s Eve is the most important family event. All relatives gather at the table, including those who live in other cities and provinces. The period before the holiday becomes a time of the largest population migration in China — millions of people strive to return home to their parents. The festive table обязательно includes symbolic dishes: fish signifies material abundance, jiaozi dumplings shaped like a crescent symbolize wealth, long noodles represent longevity, and a whole chicken stands for family unity.

New Year dishes in the Year of the Horse

Out of respect for the patron animal of the year, horse meat should not be served. It is recommended to serve eggs (a symbol of a large family), shrimp (wealth and good luck), and roasted pork (peace and tranquility). As dessert, round yellow fruits such as tangerines, oranges, and grapefruits are suitable, as they attract financial prosperity.

Fireworks and firecrackers

After midnight, the Chinese go outside to set off fireworks and firecrackers. This tradition is linked to the legend of the monster Nian and is intended to scare away evil spirits and attract good luck in the new year.

Festive visits

The first five days of the New Year are dedicated to visiting relatives and friends. In the morning, children congratulate their parents and receive red hongbao envelopes with money from them — a symbol of blessing and wishes for prosperity. It is important that the amount of money in the envelope is even, as even numbers are associated with the energy of life.

Public festivities

Large-scale festivals featuring traditional dragon and lion dances are held in city streets. The dragon in Chinese culture symbolizes wisdom, good luck, and prosperity — the Chinese consider themselves descendants of this mythical creature. The lion represents greatness and strength, although the dance often includes comedic elements.

Lantern Festival

The celebrations conclude on the 15th day with the grand Lantern Festival. Across the country, colorful lanterns of various shapes and sizes are hung and released into the sky, decorated with images symbolizing luck and happiness. In some cities, lanterns are used to create true works of art.

What to give for the Chinese New Year

Appropriate gifts

Red hongbao envelopes are a classic New Year’s gift. They are given to children, young people, and elderly family members. It is important to put an even amount of money inside. Fruits — tangerines and oranges, thanks to their round shape and yellow-orange color, resemble coins and symbolize wealth. Apples and pears are also considered appropriate gifts. High-quality tea demonstrates respect for the recipient and symbolizes care for health and longevity. Assorted dried fruits and nuts embody wishes of wealth and good health for the entire year. Ceramic tableware expresses wishes for prosperity and harmonious relationships.

Forbidden gifts

Some items are strongly discouraged as New Year’s gifts due to negative symbolism: Clocks — the phrase “to give a clock” in Chinese sounds like “to organize a funeral.” Sets of four items — the number four sounds similar to the word “death.” Shoes — giving a pair of shoes hints at separation, suggesting that a person should “go their own way.” Handkerchiefs — associated with tears and farewells. Sharp objects (knives, scissors) — symbolize the severing of relationships. White flowers and yellow chrysanthemums — traditionally associated with funeral ceremonies.

Gift wrapping

The ideal colors for gift wrapping are red and gold. Red represents happiness, good luck, and protection from negativity. Gold symbolizes abundance, power, and the pursuit of perfection. White wrapping should be avoided, as this color is associated with mourning and grief.

The Chinese zodiac: twelve animals

Rat — embodies resourcefulness and calculation. Those born in this year are creative, decisive, and ambitious, although they may show pettiness in financial matters. Ox — a symbol of confidence and hard work. Such people are straightforward, honest, and uncompromising. In anger they can be destructive, and in relationships they tend toward control and jealousy. Tiger — characterizes charismatic and courageous individuals. Tigers are selfish, persistent in achieving goals, generous in relationships, but suspicious and jealous. Rabbit — a friendly and communicative sign. Rabbits have excellent intuition in business matters, are reliable partners, but are not particularly romantic. Dragon — a born leader and inspirer. Dragons are perfectionists, value their reputation, are demanding of others, and find it difficult to admit their own mistakes. Snake — a symbol of wisdom and empathy. Snakes are caring and attentive, but prone to pride, distrust others’ opinions, and may provoke conflicts. Horse — the embodiment of freedom-loving and adventurous spirit. Horses are assertive, impulsive, love attention, and always act at their own discretion, sometimes overestimating their abilities. Goat — a creative and sensitive nature. Goats are indecisive, prefer inner harmony to material benefits, and fiercely fight against injustice. Monkey — cunning and curious personalities. Monkeys know how to earn money, solve problems creatively, but depend on others’ opinions and are easily influenced. Rooster — a responsible and meticulous sign. Roosters are picky about details, firmly defend their position, calmly endure failures, and are ready for feats for the sake of loved ones. Dog — distrustful and prone to self-analysis. Dogs are critical of others, see tasks through to completion, and in relationships strive to share responsibility with a partner. Pig — brave and goal-oriented people. Pigs achieve results quickly despite recklessness, are devoted to one partner, and generously share with family. Each animal is associated with one of the five elements (water, earth, metal, fire, wood) and a corresponding color. The full 60-year cycle begins with the Wood Rat and ends with the Water Pig. The current cycle started on February 2, 1984, and will end on January 29, 2044.

Chinese New Year in different countries

The Lunar New Year is celebrated not only in China but also in other East Asian countries that use the lunar calendar. In Vietnam, the holiday is called Tet; in Korea, Seollal; in Mongolia, Tsagaan Sar. In Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, large-scale street fairs, carnivals, and cultural events are held.

Modern traditions

In recent years, traditional customs have taken on a modern sound. Instead of paper red envelopes, many people use digital transfers via mobile applications. New Year greetings are sent through social networks, and festive dinners are increasingly held in restaurants, where tables must be booked several months in advance. The Chinese New Year remains the most important cultural event uniting millions of people around the world. This holiday combines ancient traditions with modern technologies, family values with public celebrations, reminding us of humanity’s eternal стремление toward renewal, happiness, and prosperity.