Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is celebrated by billions of people around the world.
It typically falls between January 21 and February 20 and marks the start of a fresh new year based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar. This year, the 15-day festival starts on February 17 and culminates on March with the Lantern Festival.
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse. >^..^<
(Download your Year of the Fire Horse Coloring Page)
The Chinese Zodiac classification includes 12 animals, one assigned to each year. These include the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Though the snake may be scary in many Western cultures, it’s celebrated and revered in Eastern cultures. The Fire Horse is a symbol of energy, freedom, and forward momentum. It’s also associated with intelligence, resilience, and love.
The festival has a history of over 3,000 years. While celebrations vary by country and culture, themes of prosperity, happiness, and health are present in all. Connecting with family is a vital part of the celebration.
Key activities include big family dinners with foods like New Year cakes and dumplings, decorations including red Chinese lanterns, fireworks, and firecrackers, and giving red envelopes with money in them. You’ll see red everywhere, representing happiness and good luck.
In public celebrations, you’ll see traditional dragon and lion dances.
Gōng xǐ fā cái! 🧧 May you be happy and prosperous!
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