February 17, 2026 marks the start of the Lunar New Year with the arrival of the Fire Horse. This date marks the beginning of a new cycle in the Chinese lunisolar calendar and triggers a series of beliefs, taboos, and rituals designed to attract prosperity and ward off bad luck from day one.

In contrast to the Western calendar, the Chinese New Year does not begin on January 1. It is governed by the phases of the moon and the position of the sun. The new year begins with the second new moon after the winter solstice, so the date varies each year between January 21 and February 20.

In 2026, the celebration gives way to the traditional Spring Festival, which lasts for 15 days until the first full moon. Although it is a festive period, it also encompasses many beliefs related to fortune and destiny.

The Fire Horse and its meaning in 2026

The Chinese zodiac consists of twelve animals, including the rabbit, pig, and dog. In 2026, it will be the Horse’s turn under the influence of the fire element.

Each lunar year is associated with one of five elements: fire, earth, metal, wood, or water. Fire, a symbol of expansive energy, passion, and transformation, predominates in this cycle. The combination of the Horse, associated with freedom, momentum, and movement, with the element of fire reinforces the idea of a dynamic year, with rapid changes and bold decisions.

People born between February 17, 2026, and the next Lunar New Year in 2027 will belong to this sign.

As for colors, red is associated with prosperity, good luck, and success. In contrast, black and white are traditionally linked to mourning.

Chinese New Year 2026: What not to do on the first day

The first day of the year is considered crucial in defining the energy of the entire cycle. For this reason, many families follow a series of traditional prohibitions.

  • Do not clean or take out the trash: Cleaning symbolizes expelling wealth from the home. Taking out the trash is equivalent to throwing away newly arrived good luck.
  • Avoid negative words: Terms related to death, illness, poverty, or ghosts should not be uttered. Language is considered decisive for the fate of the new year.
  • Not eating oatmeal for breakfast: Some beliefs associate oatmeal with poverty, so it is avoided in the first meal of the day.
  • Do not wash or cut your hair: This is interpreted as washing away your fortune. It is also not recommended to use the washing machine, as a sign of respect for the god of water.
  • Do not wear black or white: These colors are associated with mourning. Instead, red is preferred as a color of prosperity.
Chinese New Year 2026
Chinese New Year 2026
Chinese New Year 2026

Rituals to attract prosperity in the Year of the Fire Horse

The practices for welcoming the new cycle focus on energy renewal and abundance.

  • Pre-cleaning of the home: Before February 17, it is recommended to do a thorough cleaning to remove stagnant energies. However, you should not sweep on the first day.
  • Decorating with symbols of wealth: Oranges or tangerines symbolize gold and prosperity. It is also advisable to wear something red.
  • The Red envelope or Hongbao: One of the best-known rituals is the hongbao. It consists of placing money inside a red envelope and keeping it under your pillow or in your wallet. Tradition holds that this gesture promotes financial flow throughout the year.
  • Opening doors and windows at midnight: For a few minutes, doors and windows are opened to allow prosperity to enter and old energy to leave.
  • Rice and coins in the kitchen: Placing a jar with rice and coins symbolizes constant sustenance and economic stability.

During the first 24 hours, it is also recommended to maintain a cheerful attitude, avoid arguments, and cultivate positive thoughts.

How to celebrate Lunar New Year at home

Celebrating at home means preparing the environment in advance.

  • Perform deep cleaning days before February 17.
  • Do not use a broom or take out the trash on the first day.
  • Decorate with red lanterns and signs with the character Fu placed upside down, a symbol of fortune coming to the home.
  • Incorporate figures of the Fire Horse as a representation of the incoming cycle.

The gathering dinner on the eve is the central moment of the celebration. Traditional dishes include whole fish, symbolizing abundance; long, uncut noodles, associated with longevity; and mandarin oranges, linked to wealth.

During the family celebration, red envelopes containing small amounts of money are also given to children and young people as a wish for good luck. At midnight, opening the windows symbolizes the transition of energy. The previous cycle is left behind and the new year is welcomed.

The Year of the Fire Horse 2026 begins as a period of momentum, renewal, and movement. For many people, the first day is not just a holiday, but a symbolic moment in which every gesture, from words to clothing, can set the tone for the cycle that is beginning.

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