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- The symbol of the Chinese New Year – 2026: what does the year of the Fiery Horse mean and how to attract good luck
The symbol of the Chinese New Year – 2026: what does the year of the Fiery Horse mean and how to attract good luck
Chinese New Year is the main traditional holiday of China, which is celebrated annually between the end of January and the middle of February. In 2026, the year of the Horse begins, one of the most dynamic and energetic signs of the Eastern zodiac. Izvestia tells us what the Fiery Horse symbolizes, what it promises to those born in different years according to the Chinese horoscope, and how to attract good luck during this period.
Chinese New Year 2026: when will it come and how long will it last
The date of the Chinese New Year is determined by the lunisolar calendar - it occurs on the second new moon after the winter solstice (December 21). In 2026, the holiday will begin on February 17 and last until March 3. These are 15 days of festivities, culminating in the Lantern Festival. The full year of the Fire Horse according to the Chinese calendar will last until February 5, 2027.
Chinese New Year: the history of the holiday
The history of the Spring Festival dates back more than 3 thousand years. Its roots go back to the era of the Shang Dynasty (XVI–XI centuries BC), when at the end of the agricultural year sacrifices were made to ancestral spirits and deities in gratitude for the harvest.
Over time, the holiday began to be associated with the beginning of a new agricultural cycle and the expectation of spring. The legend of the Nyan monster, which came on New Year's Eve and frightened the villagers, has become entrenched in the folk tradition. People found out that the monster was afraid of red and loud noises, so they started decorating houses with scarlet scrolls and setting off fireworks. This is where the tradition of using red lanterns, firecrackers and fireworks came from.
Red in Chinese culture symbolizes happiness, prosperity and protection from evil. In modern China, New Year remains the main family holiday. Millions of people return home to meet him with his relatives.
The Symbol of 2026: What Horse means in Chinese culture
The Chinese zodiac is built on a combination of two systems — 12 animals and five elements (elements). The animals follow in strict sequence: Rat, Bull, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. The elements — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water — repeat in a certain order and interact with animals. Each animal + element combination is unique and occurs once every 60 years.
The horse is the seventh sign of the Chinese zodiac circle. In Chinese culture, this animal has long been considered noble and respected. It was associated with military prowess, speed and the ability to bring success in business. The image of a galloping horse was often used as a symbol of promotion and career growth.
The year 2026 belongs to the element of Fire. The combination of Horse and fire element enhances the dynamism of the year. In the symbolism of the five elements, Fire is associated with brightness, passion, charisma and publicity. Due to this, 2026 in the traditional interpretation is considered a time of acceleration of various processes, bold decisions and rapid development.
What will be the year of the Fiery Horse: forecast
From the point of view of the Chinese astrological tradition, the year of the Horse is favorable for active actions. This is a period when personal initiative, independence and willingness to adapt quickly to changes are valued.
A year can contribute to career advancement, the launch of new projects, relocations and changes in personal life. However, excessive impulsivity and haste can lead to conflicts or emotional burnout.
Fiery energy enhances the emotional background of the year. Sudden turns of events, quick decisions, and increased competition are possible, which is why astrologers emphasize the importance of self-control and strategic thinking.
What the year of the Fiery Horse will bring to those born in different years: horoscope
According to astrologers, the Fiery Horse affects all representatives of the Chinese zodiac circle, but especially those who were born in the year of this animal. For them, this is their "own" year — a time of trials and great opportunities.
The rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)
For a Rat, the Year of the Horse is a period of intense competition and rapid twists of fate. It is believed that in 2026 it is best to show flexibility, pragmatism and the ability to negotiate.
The Bull (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)
For the Bull, the year of the Horse is often not the most comfortable because of the difference in pace: The Horse likes speed, and the Bull prefers thoroughness. In such circumstances, astrologers advise to act according to the plan and not get involved in adventures, while maintaining stability.
The Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)
The year of the Horse is usually "suitable" for a Tiger in terms of energy: both signs are associated with pressure and leadership. You can take the initiative in work and study, but it is important to keep emotions under control so as not to ignite conflicts.
The rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)
A rabbit in the year of the Horse should be careful not to rush into sudden changes and choose safe strategies. It is better to focus on the home, relationships and the restoration of internal resources.
The Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)
For the Dragon, the year of the Horse often becomes a time of visible results, when it is easier to "show the fruits of hard work to the world." It is believed that a year can bring new projects and public recognition if you do not disperse and overestimate your strengths.
The snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)
In the year of the Horse, astrologers advise snakes to be practical: strengthen their positions, put their affairs and documents in order, and choose specific goals. A calm, thoughtful strategy will help you achieve what you want.
The horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)
For those born in the year of the Horse, a successful year begins, which is considered a period of increased attention of fate to the sign. It is important to take care of your health, not provoke conflicts, and plan key decisions in advance so that the energy of the year works "plus" rather than overloaded.
The goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)
For the Goat, the year of the Horse will be a time of maintaining balance in all areas of life. It is believed that stable connections, family support and a careful financial policy will bring benefits.
The monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)
The year of the Horse often brings new opportunities to the Monkey. Fate will provide many good chances to change your life for the better. But it is important to remember that the result depends on whether you can finish what you started.
The Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)
Astrologers advise the rooster in the year of the Horse to focus on strengthening the status: to study, improve their skills, and record their achievements. At the same time, numerous ambiguous situations are possible throughout the year, in which you will have to defend your position in order to achieve what you want.
The dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)
The Year of the Horse will be favorable for teamwork and long-term projects, if there are clear rules and honest agreements. A year can bring growth through reliable alliances.
The pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)
It is recommended for a pig to live the year of a Horse without unnecessary overloads: choose clear goals and conserve energy. It will be useful to take care of your health and spend more time with your family.
How to attract good luck in the year of the Horse
In the tradition of preparing for the Chinese New Year, space purification is of great importance. A few days before the holiday, it is customary to carry out a general cleaning, symbolically getting rid of the failures of the previous year.
Decorating a house with red elements and lanterns is considered a way to attract prosperity. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to gather the whole family, give gifts in red packaging and wish each other prosperity.
From the point of view of the symbolism of the year of the Horse, it is useful to be active, set clear goals and not delay important decisions. It is important to maintain a balance between energy and intelligence so that the dynamics of the year work for the good.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
