Chinese New Year comes with the first new moon of the lunar calendar – this year it falls on 17th February 2026, and heralds the beginning of the fifteen day spring festival. Celebrations vary depending on the country or region, but there are a few common traditions.
The Chinese zodiac calendar is a twelve year cycle, each year being represented by a different animal. 2026 sees the Year of the Horse. This is paired with a heavenly stem – one of the five elements – in this case, ‘Bing’, or ‘big sun’. Thus, 2026 becomes the Year of the Fire Horse.
The tradition of lighting firecrackers and fireworks, hanging lanterns and wearing red clothing is believed to ward off evil and bad luck.
The Lunar New Year festivities often last over fifteen days. Food plays a big part and households spend much time preparing delicious dishes.
A big spring clean of the home aims to sweep out all the accumulated rubbish and bad luck of the past year. It’s then considered bad luck to sweep up or remove rubbish on the first few days as this may mean clearing out all the new good luck and fortune.
Families travel far and near to gather for festive dinners. Presents and fruit are given in abundance; red packets of money are given to unmarried members of the family – these are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity.
On the third day of the new year (perhaps as a result of the overexcitement of the festivities!) it is believed that arguments are likely to occur. Some people try to avoid these by shunning company and visiting temples instead, making offerings to offset bad luck.
The highlight of the holiday comes on the 15th day of the festival with the Lantern Festival. This falls on the first full moon of the year and marks the departure of winter and beginning of spring. Lanterns are lit, to symbolise the driving away of darkness and the arrival of hope. In ancient Chinese society, this was the day when young girls would be allowed out to enjoy seeing the lanterns and meet young men – hence the day has also been called Chinese Valentine’s Day.
