The Chinese New Year has arrived, marking the commencement of the official lunar calendar for 2026 on February 17. Festivities kicked off last night with vibrant fireworks displays and adherence to a collection of superstitions, setting the stage for numerous celebratory events in the days ahead.
With the snake shedding its skin to leave behind the year 2025, a new zodiac sign, the fire horse, takes center stage to influence the upcoming year. Embracing time with loved ones, it’s essential to grasp the essence of the lunar festival and learn strategies to enhance your luck for the upcoming year.
Running until around February 20, the festival culminates with the Lantern Festival. This tradition involves adorning homes with red lanterns, many of which are illuminated and released into the night sky, symbolizing the release of past struggles and the welcoming of a fresh start in the new year.
Representing the seventh animal in the Chinese Zodiac, the horse embodies characteristics of ambition, energy, drive, and vitality. Astrologer Patrick Arundell elucidates that the horse’s essence lies in its independence, relentless drive, and swiftness. Describing horses as free-spirited creatures inclined towards restlessness, adventure, and exploration, individuals born in the Year of the Horse are often characterized as charismatic, energetic, and ambitious, albeit occasionally impulsive.
In this year’s festivities, the wood snake transitions into a blazing horse, brimming with additional enthusiasm. Observing superstitions and following detailed guidelines during the celebrations are crucial to fostering a fortunate year. A primary caution advises against washing hair on this day to prevent washing away luck.
Avoid Washing or Cutting Hair, or Doing Laundry: In Chinese tradition, the character ‘fa’ for hair sounds similar to “facia,” denoting “to become wealthy.” Hence, washing or cutting hair on Lunar New Year could be perceived as eroding one’s connection to prosperity. This belief explains why many hair salons in China remain closed on New Year’s Day, extending to refraining from laundering clothes as well.
Avoid Wearing Black or White, Opt for Red Instead: Black and white, considered somber colors associated with funerals, are eschewed as they do not symbolize the vibrant energy desired for the new year. Conversely, red attire is favored for its auspicious connotations and associations with good fortune.
Refrain from Cleaning: Abstaining from cleaning activities, including sweeping shelves and floors, serves as an excuse to pause daily chores. While spring cleaning may seem like a way to clear out the old, it is advised to postpone any cleaning endeavors. Even taking out the trash could inadvertently sweep away good fortune.
Avoid Breaking Items: Similar to the superstition surrounding broken mirrors, damaging bowls and glasses could disrupt one’s connection to good luck. In case of breakage, one can salvage their fortune by wrapping the broken pieces in red paper and discarding them after the festival concludes.
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