In my February 2026 column for the Sydney Observer magazine at p.8
(https://sydneyobserver.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Observer-Feb-2026-Digital-Edition.pdf), I contribute a special article to celebrate the year of the fire horse.
The world celebrated new year on January 1 2026 according to the Gregorian calendar. China and most Asian countries will celebrate the new year on February 17, 2026 according to the Lunar calendar. The lunar new year is celebrated on a different date annually, around late January to early February, determined by the full moon. It is also described as Chinese New Year or the Spring festival.
The Chinese Zodiac
According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2026 will be the year of the fire Horse (February 17 2026 to February 5, 2027). The Chinese zodiac is a traditional classification dating back over 2,000 years. It is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year assigned to one animal, the order being: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig as decided by the legendary Jade Emperor.
The Chinese zodiac is further divided into five natural elements - metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The five elements combine with the 12 zodiac animals to produce a 60-year cycle. A fire horse occurs once every 60 years – 1966, 2026 and 2086.
The Year of the Fire Horse
The fire horse is the 7th animal in the 12-year zodiac cycle, following the wood snake (2025) to be followed by the goat (2027). Fire is represented by the colour red and 2026 is depicted as the year of the fire red horse. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolises strength, perseverance and success. Fire is associated with energy and intensity. Collectively, 2026 suggests potential for opportunities, optimism, movement and at times chaos and global changes
Personality
It is believed that individuals can glean their personalities from the nature of their specific zodiac animal. People born in the horse year are leaders, adventurous, passionate and self-motivated. They have high energy and endurance, and are sociable and outgoing. However, their quick passion can turn into boredom easily and they need to balance passion with discipline.
Some well-known horse personalities include Joe Biden (water horse), Angela Merkel (wood horse), Paul McCartney (water horse), and Frederic Chopin (metal horse).
Fun Facts
Growing up, many family rituals provided me with simple psychological joy and meaning:
Red is a lucky color. People wear red and gift small cash presents to family and visitors. I look forward annually to my new dress and pocket money.
My mother makes us clean the house thoroughly to let go of the past and welcome the future. Water is perceived as part of the cleansing.
We serve tea to family elders to express appreciation and gratefulness.
Happy Chinese New Year (“Xīnnián kuàilè," 新年快乐)
