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What is the Lunar New Year, and why is it the ‘Year of the Horse’?
Lunar New Year is one of the most important festivals in many Asian cultures. In 2026, the Lunar New Year starts on Tuesday, 17 February. This day also marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse.
Lunar New Year is not the same every year. The date changes because it follows the lunar calendar, not the Western calendar. The Lunar New Year usually happens between late January and mid-February.
For English learners, the Lunar New Year is a great topic for learning new vocabulary and understanding different cultures around the world.
Lunar New Year is celebrated in many countries, especially in East and Southeast Asia. These include:
People also celebrate the Lunar New Year in many other places around the world, such as the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe. This is because people from these cultures live and work there.
Celebrations often include parades, fireworks, family meals, and traditional music. Many cities host public events open to everyone.
In 2026, the Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday, 17 February.
The celebrations usually last several days and sometimes up to two weeks. The first day is the most important. Families come together, clean their homes, eat special food, and wish each other good luck.
People often say “Happy Lunar New Year” or “Happy New Year” in English.
Lunar New Year is a time for new beginnings.
People believe it is a good time to:
Many traditions focus on family, health, happiness, and wealth. For example, people may wear red clothes because red is a lucky colour. They may also give red envelopes with money to children and young people.
Each Lunar New Year is linked to an animal from the Chinese zodiac. There are 12 animals, and each one represents a year.
2026 is the Year of the Horse.
The Horse is the seventh animal in the zodiac. Do you know which animal you are?
The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac are:
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (also called Sheep or Ram), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Each animal represents one year, and the cycle repeats every 12 years. People believe each zodiac animal has its own personality. Here are some of the positive core characteristics associated with each animal. Does your personality match your animal?
Rats are intelligent and they are quick learners.
Oxen are patient, reliable, and they are hard-working.
Tigers are brave, confident, and they are natural leaders.
Rabbits are gentle, kind, and they are good listeners.
Dragons are energetic, ambitious, and full of ideas.
Snakes are calm, wise, and they are careful and deep thinkers.
Horses are active, friendly, and they love freedom.
Goats are creative, caring, and they enjoy peaceful environments.
Monkeys are curious, playful, and they are good problem-solvers.
Roosters are organised, honest, and they pay attention to detail.
Dogs are loyal, helpful, and they value fairness.
Pigs are generous, warm-hearted, and they enjoy simple pleasures.
You are a “Horse” if you were born in one of these years:
The zodiac cycle repeats every 12 years. If you were born early in the year (January or early February), your zodiac animal may be different. This depends on the exact Lunar New Year date.
People born in the Year of the Horse are believed to have certain personality traits.
A “Horse” person is often:
They usually enjoy:
Horse people like freedom and do not enjoy feeling controlled. They often work hard and like to move forward in life.
Of course, this is a traditional belief, not a fact. But many people enjoy reading about their zodiac sign for fun.
The Lunar New Year is a great topic for learning English.
Here are some words and phrases related to it:
You can practise English by:
Learning English through real-world topics helps you remember new words more easily.
A new year, a new chance to learn!
Lunar New Year 2026 and the Year of the Horse are about energy, movement, and new starts. It is the perfect time to set new goals.
Whether you celebrate Lunar New Year or not, it is a great moment to learn something new and connect with cultures from around the world.
Happy Lunar New Year!
Now try our Lunar New Year Quiz
1. Which of these countries celebrates the Lunar New Year?
a) Brazil
b) Vietnam
c) Spain
d) Egypt
2. Why is Lunar New Year also celebrated in places like the UK and the USA?
a) It is a public holiday everywhere
b) Tourists visit these countries
c) People from Asian cultures live there
d) Schools organise it
3. What colour do people often wear for good luck?
a) Blue
b) Green
c) Red
d) White
4. Which of these is a typical Horse personality trait?
a) Shy
b) Energetic
c) Lazy
d) Serious
5. What is Lunar New Year a good time for?
a) Ending friendships
b) Starting fresh
c) Moving house only
d) Studying maths
b) Vietnam
c) People from Asian cultures live there
c) Red
b) Energetic
b) Starting fresh
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