Chinese New Year 2026 - Year of the Fire Horse and the two numbers everyone needs to avoid

mirror.co.uk · Feb 17, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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Chinese New Year arrives on February 17 and holds a deep significance — so what does 2026 have in store for you?06:00, 17 Feb 2026Updated 08:29, 17 Feb 2026In 2026, the Chinese New Year, also termed the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, will take place between February 17 and March 3.‌It marks the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar, marked by the first new moon of the lunar calendar, and is widely considered to be an auspicious period world-over, signalling new beginnings and a fresh start.‌Millions around the world celebrate the occasion, and this year, the arrival of the Chinese New Year on February 17 coincides with a solar eclipse and a new moon in Aquarius — all signs that point to a major shift in the current programming.‌What does 2026 have in store?2026 is the Year of the Horse and as per China Highlights, this has a deep significance: “In Chinese culture, the Horse is known for its energetic and dynamic nature. It symbolises vitality, speed, and perseverance.People born in the Year of the Horse are believed to possess similar traits, such as being hardworking, warm-hearted, and independent.”‌Speaking to British Vogue, Susan Gu, an acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner at HVN, shared: “In Eastern culture, the horse represents action, freedom, speed and breakthrough. A Horse year isn’t about running the fastest, but about running the longest. The Horse isn’t afraid of slowness. It’s afraid of stillness.Gu explains that the Year of the Horse is reflective of a stage in life which moves forward boldly, “without the fear of obstacles”, and calls for placing an emphasis on “motion rather than standing still”.Chinese astrology dictates that the horse is confident, responsible and agreeable, however people born in these years (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, and 2026) do not like being reined in by others. Horse year individuals are intelligent and fit, have a penchant for mental and physical exertion and whilst being decisive, they can also be easily swayed and display traits of impatience.‌Year of the Horse people, in their zodiac year, can experience incredible highs and lows in love, health, and professional spheres. They are capable of achieving breakthroughs in a Horse year through persistence, and balanced self-care is an important theme for their zodiac year. Steady finances can also be expected, which in turn ensure long-term success.It is believed in Chinese astrology that horses tend to be susceptible to getting bored easily — whether in love or work — and are inclined to give up halfway when their flare of passion has run out of steam. On the bright side, the horse is considered to be a harbinger of prosperity and success.2026 is actually the Year of the Fire Horse‌2026 is the Year of the Horse, more specifically, the Year of the Fire Horse and occurs only once every 60 years. Regarded as a powerful and uncommon conjunction in Chinese astrology, the Year of the Fire Horse brings with it immense ‘double fire’ energy promising major upheaval, swift transformation, and fervent action. This year’s fire element brings with it passion, motivation, and intensity.Pan Wang, associate professor of Chinese and Asian Studies at UNSW, explained the overlapping symbolism of fire and the horse in Chinese astrology, telling SBS News : “If you put these together, it’s like a double fire. That will certainly symbolise vitality, passion, this full energy and high speed, courage.”The Year of the Fire Horse will conclude on February 5, 2027, ushering in the Year of the Fire Goat (or Ram).‌While the Year of the Wood Snake in 2025 brought with it oodles of introspective energy, shedding of past ‘skins’ and a major cycle of ‘letting go’, release and transformation, the Year of the Fire Horse signifies bold change, multiplied social opportunities, and strong creative self-expression.According to chinesenewyear.net , “The Chinese Five Elements Theory assigns one of the five elements—Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth — to each year, in addition to the zodiacs. So Horses born in different years will have different personalities.”The Horse’s luck is associated with the numbers 2 and 7, the colours purple, red, and pink, the flowers Iris, Jasmine, Calla Lily, and with the southeast direction. Blue and black hues should be avoided, numbers 1 and 6 are considered unlucky as are the north and northwest directions. Rodent pets should also be avoided by those born in the zodiac year of the Horse.‌For those born in Horse, Dog, Tiger, Snake, Goat, and Rabbit years — there’s good news. You can anticipate luck and all things good in 2026. Unexpected financial gains, achievements, and good fortune may also be on the cards.‘Luck’ however, is majorly dependent on timing and personal effort, so for those born in Rat and Ox years, while 2026 may bring with it some challenges, it could ultimately lead to growth and success when coupled with personal perseverance.In Chinese astrology, every year oscillates between two kinds of energies — Yin (soft, gentle) and Yang (purposeful and active), and 2026 is a Yang year through and through.Article continues belowThe Lunar New Year serves as the ideal time to release that which no longer serves you and make a brand-new, fresh start — and we could all do with a little bit of that, let's be honest.