Lunar New Years

Tuesday, February 17th 2026 –  Year of the Horse – the Fire Horse

Key vocabulary:

• Marks (verb) – indicates or shows a particular event, change, or point in time.
• Fresh start (noun) – a new beginning or opportunity to start over without the past affecting it.
• Emphasizing (verb) – giving special importance or attention to something.
• Prosperity (noun) – the state of being successful, especially financially or economically.
• Symbolizes (verb) – represents or stands for something, especially through a symbol.
• To ward off (verb phrase) – to prevent or protect against something harmful or unwanted.
• Incorporates(verb) – includes or combines something as part of a whole.
• Linked to(verb phrase) – connected or related to something.
  

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is a major holiday celebrated in many East and Southeast Asian cultures. It marks a fresh start, emphasizing themes of family, prosperity, and good fortune. Traditions include: a dinner on New Year’s Eve, exchanging red envelopes 🧧 with money to symbolize luck, cleaning and decorating homes with red banners and lanterns, 🏮 and vibrant community festivities like fireworks 🧨 and lion 🦁 dances to ward off evil spirits .

The holiday also incorporates the Chinese zodiac, with each year linked to one of twelve animals, such as the Rabbit, Dragon, or Tiger. 

This year, Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday, February 17th. Celebrations often span up to 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival, which this year falls on Tuesday, March 3rd

Below are the twelve Chinese zodiac animals, including their associated years (1924–2043) and personality traits. What zodiac animal are you?