This week, billions of people around the world are coming together to celebrate the New Lunar Year, otherwise known as the Chinese New Year. 2026 is the year of the Horse, following on from the Snake and coming ahead of the Goat in 2027. (As always with our blogs and articles, you can Click on any of the images to take a closer look..)

The Chinese Zodiac follows a 12-year cycle in accordance with the Lunar new year and “Shengziao” as it is known in China is deeply interwoven with Chinese history, tradition, culture and belief systems.

12 different animals represent each year in the cycle, with each creature said to represent different qualities and symbolism. (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.)

In addition to the 12 animals that make up the Chinese Zodiac, the calendar also assigns one of the five elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth to each year, meaning that the overall Zodiac cycle takes 60 years to complete. With that, we are now entering the Year of the Fire Horse.

The Horse is seen as a symbol of movement, freedom, loyalty and ambition and in Shengziao, the Horse is never passive. It represents momentum, forward drive and a restless desire for progress. Years ruled by the Horse are traditionally associated with change, travel, bold decisions and the pursuit of independence. It is sometimes exhilarating, sometimes chaotic and never dull.

Further symbolism is associated with the Fire Horse. Fire Horse years are said to bring a particularly bold and fiery energy, sense of purpose and there are long-standing superstitions around women born in a Fire Horse year having strong natures.

For those people whose own zodiac sign is the horse, (if you are turning 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96 or 108 this year, for example) a return to your Zodiac year is known as your Ben Ming Nian. It is seen as a year of potential opportunity whilst requiring care and balance.

People born in the Year of the Horse are often described as energetic, charismatic, quick-witted, and fiercely independent. They are said to be natural communicators, comfortable in the spotlight and tend to place a value on personal freedom above all else. It has long been said that Horse years are excellent for starting journeys, changing careers, launching creative projects, or embracing personal reinvention and customs surrounding the Year of the Horse reflect this energy.

Horse years also come with their warnings though. Impatience, impulsive decision-making and burnout are thought to accompany unchecked momentum.

Red remains a dominant colour in decorations, symbolising good fortune and protection. As you would expect, horse imagery becomes especially prominent with depictions of Horses appearing in paintings, calligraphy and talismans all intended to carry good luck forward.

In some regions, people avoid reckless financial risks during Horse years, believing that if one isn’t careful, fortunes can move away as quickly as they arrive. Elsewhere, others intentionally plan travel, relocations, or major life changes, placing their trust in the Horse’s auspicious association with movement and opportunity.

We would once again like to take this opportunity to wish all our customers, partners, friends and followers a very Happy Lunar New Year and we wish you Happiness, Health and Good Fortune for the year ahead.

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