An annual celebration has started today, marking a fresh start for many.
In 2026, the Chinese or Lunar New Year starts on February 17 with celebrations running until March 3.
2026 is the Year of the Horse, with the Chinese zodiac working as a 12-year cycle that assigns an animal sign annually.
But what does that mean, and how are Chinese years named?
What does the Year of the Horse mean?
In Chinese symbology, those born in the Year of the Horse are said to be recognised for possessing traits such as being hardworking, warm-hearted, and independent.
It is said that those born in the Year of the Horse are confident and responsible, and tend to dislike being reined in by others.
The seventh animal in the 12-year cycle, the horse is also considered to be a symbol for strength, energy, passion, and freedom.
Some wear clothing or accessories depicting horses, or incorporate horse imagery in their homes for positive energy and fortune.
Other Years of the Horse were in 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, and 2014.
How is the Year of the Horse decided?
2025 was the Year of the Snake, with 2026 the Year of the Horse or, more precisely, the Year of the Fire Horse.
The Chinese zodiac assigns a sun, moon, rising sign, and a number of other signs to each person according to the exact date, time, and location they were born, using astronomical placements.
The Chinese zodiac cycle, however, lasts 12 years and uses the orbital plane of the Earth around the Sun to set signs apart.
There is also a cycle of natural elements that changes every two years, that consists of earth, metal, water, wood, and fire.
Because there are 12 signs and five elements, it takes 60 years for the same animal sign and element combination to occur.
In 2026, the Chinese zodiac will enter the Year of the Fire Horse, which is the 32nd cycle of the 60-year lunar calendar. The snake is the sixth animal in the zodiac, and it has a complex and mysterious nature. The snake years are: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 and 2025.
Each snake year has a different element. The wood snake is particularly charming, intelligent and creative sign, but also secretive, cunning and sometimes ruthless.
In Chinese culture, the zodiacs work in a 12-year cycle that links each year to an animal sign. The 12 animal signs are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The order of the animal signs is fixed.
The story goes that, centuries ago, the Jade Emperor was looking for a way in which his people could measure time.
So he decided to call an animal race that sought 12 winners to name each year after. The contestants were instructed to cross a river and reach the finishing line. The legend then explains the order in which each of the 12 animals won the race and what their journey involved.
In regards to the snake, it compensated for not being the best swimmer by hitching a ride on the horse's hoof. When the horse was about to cross the finish line, the snake jumped off, scaring the horse, edging it out for sixth place.
Is the Year of the Snake celebrated elsewhere?
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the start of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar or the Gregorian calendar.
This festival is celebrated worldwide, but particularly in Asian countries.
In Thai culture, the Year of the Snake is instead referred to as the Year of the Little Snake, and the Year of the Dragon is the Year of the Big Snake.
Meanwhile, in Japan, the zodiac cycle is known as eto, and the Year of the Snake is associated with financial fortune. According to superstition, popping a bit of snakeskin or a snake charm into a purse or wallet brings monetary luck. This derives from the belief that white snakes are incarnations of Benzaiten, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, who is the goddess of wealth.
