Chinese New Year
Year of the Horse 🐴
Welcome the Spring Festival with joy, family, and fresh prosperity. The Year of the Horse brings energy, freedom, and forward momentum.
What Is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the most important celebration in Chinese culture and observed by millions worldwide. Based on the lunar calendar, it marks the beginning of a new year and new zodiac animal cycle.
Celebrations last 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. It\'s a time for family reunions, feasts, giving red envelopes (hóngbāo), honoring ancestors, and welcoming good fortune for the year ahead.
The Year of the Horse (2026) symbolizes energy, enthusiasm, independence, and adventure. People born in Horse years are said to be warm-hearted, energetic, and free-spirited—perfect qualities for a year of progress and growth.
Why Celebrate?
Family Connection
CNY is the largest human migration event annually, as people travel to reunite with family. It\'s a powerful reminder of the importance of roots and relationships.
Cultural Learning
Even if you\'re not Chinese, celebrating CNY is an opportunity to learn about rich traditions, symbolism, and the values of one of the world's oldest cultures.
Fresh Starts
If your January 1st resolutions already faded, CNY offers a second chance at renewal. Clean slates, new intentions, and optimism for what's ahead.
Inclusivity & Community
Celebrating with Chinese friends, neighbors, or colleagues shows respect and builds bridges. It\'s a chance to participate in joy that transcends borders.
Ways to Celebrate
Create a Group CNY Card
Gather New Year wishes from friends, family, or colleagues. Include traditional greetings like "恭喜发财" (gōng xǐ fā cái - wishing you wealth) and personal messages of hope for the year.
Share a Reunion Dinner
Host or attend a feast with symbolic foods: fish (余 yú - abundance), dumplings (wealth), noodles (longevity), and spring rolls (gold bars). Food brings people together.
Give Red Envelopes (Hóngbāo)
Traditionally given to children and unmarried adults, red envelopes contain money and symbolize good luck. You can also give digital hóngbāo or donate in someone's name.
Clean and Decorate
Deep clean your space to sweep away bad luck, then decorate with red lanterns, paper cutouts, couplets, and kumquat trees. Red and gold symbolize luck and prosperity.
Watch Lion or Dragon Dances
These performances scare away evil spirits and bring good fortune. Attend local celebrations or watch performances online to experience the energy and artistry.
Learn About the Horse Year
Horses symbolize freedom, energy, and enthusiasm. Reflect on how you can embody these qualities in 2026—take bold steps, embrace adventure, and gallop toward your goals.
Chinese New Year Greetings
"新年快乐！(Xīn nián kuài lè!) Wishing you happiness, health, and prosperity in the Year of the Horse. May this year gallop in with energy and opportunity!"
"恭喜发财! (Gōng xǐ fā cái!) Grateful for another year with you. May our family be blessed with health, unity, and countless reasons to gather around the table."
"Happy Lunar New Year! May the Horse's spirited energy bring you adventure, joy, and the courage to chase your wildest dreams this year."
"Wishing you and your family a prosperous Year of the Horse! Looking forward to another year of collaboration, growth, and success together."
"Though we're miles apart, I'm sending you warm wishes for the new year. May the Horse year bring us closer together, even from afar. 新年快乐!"
"恭贺新禧! (Gōng hè xīn xǐ!) May the Year of the Horse bring momentum to our partnership, prosperity to our work, and continued mutual success."
"Wishing you health and longevity in the new year. Your wisdom guides us, and your presence blesses our family. 身体健康! (Shēn tǐ jiàn kāng!)"
"Happy Year of the Horse! May you grow strong, curious, and brave. Here's your red envelope—save it, spend it wisely, and enjoy being young!"
Tips for Respectful Celebration
Embrace the Symbolism
Colors, numbers, and foods carry meaning. Red = luck, 8 = prosperity, 4 = bad luck (sounds like death). Learn these details to avoid unintentional disrespect.
Participate with Humility
If you\'re not Chinese, celebrate with respect and curiosity, not appropriation. Ask questions, learn traditions, and honor the culture's depth.
Give Even-Numbered Money
If giving red envelopes, use even amounts (except 4). New, crisp bills are preferred. The gesture matters more than the amount.
Say It Right
Practice pronunciation of greetings. Even imperfect attempts show effort and respect. Most people appreciate you trying to honor their traditions.
Common Questions
Is it okay for non-Chinese people to celebrate?
Yes! When done respectfully, celebrating CNY shows appreciation for Chinese culture. Just avoid stereotypes, caricatures, and claiming traditions as your own invention.
What's the difference between Chinese and Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is more inclusive—Vietnam, Korea, and other Asian countries celebrate it too, each with unique traditions. "Chinese New Year" is specific to Chinese culture.
Why does the date change every year?
CNY follows the lunar calendar, not the Gregorian calendar. It falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, usually between January 21 and February 20.
What should I avoid during CNY?
Don't sweep or take out trash on New Year's Day (you'll sweep away luck), avoid negative words, don't wear black or white (funeral colors), and don't give clocks (symbolize death).
How long do celebrations last?
15 days officially, ending with the Lantern Festival. The first week is most important, with New Year's Eve and New Year's Day being the peak.
Other January Occasions
Send Lunar New Year Wishes
Create a group card filled with blessings, prosperity wishes, and warm greetings for the Year of the Horse.
Create Chinese New Year Card