Lunar New Year began on Feb. 17, 2026, and this year marks the start of the Year of the Fire Horse, a zodiac combination that only appears once every 60 years and is celebrated by families around the world. The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal. The Horse returns every 12 years, but the zodiac also rotates through five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Because the animal and element cycles move separately, it takes six decades for the same animal and element pairing to repeat. That is what makes the Fire Horse different from most zodiac years. In zodiac tradition, the Horse represents energy, independence, and ambition. The Fire element is linked with passion and intensity. Together, the Fire Horse is known as bold and strong-willed. Spanish teacher Taimi Cadena said she recently began learning about Lunar New Year traditions and has started following some practices meant to bring good luck. “I’ve been making sure to follow some of the traditions to avoid bad luck, like not washing my hair in the days leading up to the new year,” Cadena said. “This tradition is new to me, and I’m excited to continue learning more about it.” While someone born in a Horse year may see the animal return at ages 12, 24, or 36, many people will only experience the Fire Horse once in their lifetime. According to the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, the lunar calendar and zodiac system have been used for centuries in East Asian cultures and continue to play an important role in modern celebrations. Freshman Ana Lucia Gonzalez, who celebrates Lunar New Year as a cultural tradition, said she enjoys exchanging red envelopes, known as hongbao. “I give and receive red envelopes, and I think it’s fun to exchange different designs each year based on that year’s animal.” Senior Christine Prugue said she recently learned that anyone can take part in Lunar New Year traditions. “When I saw online that anyone can celebrate Lunar New Year, I decided to join in on some of the traditions,” Prugue said. “I’m hoping that by participating, I will have a year full of luck.” Lunar New Year celebrations traditionally center on family gatherings, symbolic food, decorations, and the exchange of hongbao. This year’s Fire Horse marks the first time the pairing has appeared in six decades.
