Lunar New Year 2026: How To Embrace The Year Of The Horse

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Gallop into the new year with our ultimate gift guide

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With festive season now behind us, our attention turns to the next big celebration: Lunar New Year. And in 2026, we’ll be celebrating the Year of the Horse. Gift-giving is a key part of this special holiday, symbolising wishes of prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead. Tradition suggests we give a lucky red packet full of new bills, but it’s also not uncommon to see people giving more modern presents (or saving a few for themselves). Keen to join the celebration? These are the perfect Lunar New Year gifts for 2026.

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When Is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year takes places on Tuesday 17 February 2026, kicking off the Year of the Horse.

What Does The Horse Represent?

Dynamic, adventurous, and endlessly driven, the Horse is the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac and the ultimate free spirit. In Chinese culture, this animal is seen as a positive force; as one of the most important domesticated animals in history, horses became a symbol of status and power, prized by emperors and elites alike. Even now, they’re a particularly auspicious symbol, often associated with strength, speed and success.

If you were born in the Year of the Horse – 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 or 2026 – you are said to embody the zodiac’s charming presence and magnetic personality. Horses are believed to have a talent for inspiring others and an unshakable sense of optimism, as well as a knack for leadership that draws people into their orbit. People under this sign thrive when they can chase dreams and blaze their own trail – but be warned, their flair for action can sometimes make them impatient or impulsive. Still, it’s exactly this enthusiasm that makes the Horse such a magnetic presence.

How To Embrace Year Of The Horse & What To Expect

Don’t go galloping off into the new year just yet. In 2026, we’re not only entering the Year of the Horse – we’re entering the Year of the Fire Horse, which brings a whole new dimension to the zodiac’s typical readings. The Horse, which typically represents a year outlined by stability, activity and ambition, takes on a bolder tone – broadened by risk, rebellion and courage.

Where last year’s Snake was all about renewal – literally shedding layers – the Horse puts the spotlight on journeying, freedom and creation. And with Fire – a symbol of cleansing and purification – the next year will be seen as a period of burning away old karmic cycles in favour of a fresh start. Think of it as the first big step of the new cycle, and welcoming in the ‘new you’. Expect a lot of risk-taking, as well as moments you might find scary or nerve-inducing, but this year is all about taking that leap and activating your new path.

Zodiac signs that harmonise with the Horse — think Tiger, Goat, and Dog — are in for a particularly lucky ride, while those born under the Rat or Ox signs are encouraged to pace themselves and approach change strategically.

And if you take just one thing from the Year of the Horse, make it this: now’s the time to be brave and start a new movement. Take the reins, and prepare for your next chapter.

@ethereal.codes Year of the horse 2026. Are you excited for the new year? Leave a comment if your zodiac sign is the horse. #yearofthehorse #chineseastrology #spirituality #lunarnewyear #2026 ♬ Fantasy in an Immersive World – Ernesto P. Neto

What Not To Do At Lunar New Year

There are also a few things to avoid just before, during and just after Lunar New Year. Some of the most well-known are:

Cleaning: Don’t take out the bins or do any sweeping for the first three days of Lunar New Year, as this is believed to sweep away or dump out your good luck and wealth.
Clothes: Don’t wear white or things that are damaged (have holes) on Lunar New Year – instead, you want to wear new and brightly coloured clothes. Black and white are traditionally associated with funerals and mourning, and can be seen as inviting misfortune.
Laundry: Don’t wash your clothes during this period, as this is thought to offend traditional water gods and bring bad luck.
Crying: Crying is forbidden during Lunar New Year; it’s believed that crying now will lead to more crying throughout the year.
Finances: Avoid lending or borrowing money at this time, and pay off all debts before Lunar New Year’s Eve – this should set a precedent for good finances for the rest of the year.

Yin vs Yang

As well as an animal, a lucky direction is also associated with the Chinese zodiac. For the Year of the Snake, the lucky directions are Southwest and Southeast. Point your desk or sofa, pick your new flat or build a house based on these directions.

The year is also either a Yin or Yang year (this time it’ll be Yin), and associated with one of the elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water (this time, it’s Wood). The sequence runs as follows:

Years ending in 0: Yang Metal.
Years ending in 1: Yin Metal.
Years ending in 2: Yang Water.
Years ending in 3: Yin Water.
Years ending in 4: Yang Wood.
Years ending in 5: Yin Wood.
Years ending in 6: Yang Fire.
Years ending in 7: Yin Fire.
Years ending in 8: Yang Earth.
Years ending in 9: Yin Earth.

Yin years draw on earth, femaleness, darkness and absorption, while Yang years draw on maleness, light and activity.