The Year of the Horse! What It Means in Chinese Astrology

Lunar New Year marks the start of spring and the beginning of a new year on the Chinese lunar calendar. Each year in the calendar is linked to one of the 12 zodiac animals. The date changes annually, but usually between 21 January and 20 February. In 2026, Lunar New Year falls on February 17, and Chinese astrology marks it as the start of the Year of the Horse.

The 12 zodiac animals, Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig each carry specific traits. One of five elements, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water, is paired with one of the zodiac signs.

Lunar New Year: Instagram

According to Vicki Iskandar, “The element and the animal sign differentiate the qualities and characteristics year after year.” While 2025 was the Year of the Wood Snake, 2026 marks the Year of the Fire Horse, a rare combination of the Horse sign with the Fire element that occurs only once every 60 years. The last Fire Horse year was 1966.

Lunar New Year: Instagram

In Chinese culture, the Horse is associated with strength, independence, and speed. People born in the Year of the Horse are often believed to be confident, active, and strong-willed. When combined with the Fire element, these qualities are intensified. The signature of the Fire Horse is associated with energy and dynamism, suggesting a year that is fast-moving and action-oriented.

Lunar New Year: Instagram

Lunar New Year is regarded a major holiday in China and across East Asia. The celebration is marked by family gatherings or reunions, traditional foods, dragon and lion dances, and public festivities. Certain superstitions are also observed during the period, such as avoiding cleaning at the start of the holiday to prevent sweeping away good luck. The celebrations end with the Lantern Festival, which takes place on the fifteenth day of the new year, ending the Lunar New Year celebrations.