On the other side of the planet, the vast and traditional country of China is on the edge of a clean and monumental refresh starting on February 17, 2026. It’s the Chinese New Year!

Starting on that Tuesday, a 16 day period will follow filled to the brim with celebrations and traditional activities. On March 3, at the end of the 16 days, everything will be rounded out and completed with a fantastical and beautiful Lantern festival, marking the beginning of the new year.

If you aren’t completely aware of what the Chinese New Year is, it is a celebration that has been carried on for millenia, marking the beginning of the new year in the lunisolar calendar. The lunisolar calendar is a time system that synchronizes lunar months with the solar year.

The Chinese New Year involves a heavy assortment of rich and diverse cultural traditions, such as wearing red, setting off fireworks and fire crackers, putting up red lanterns, and more! The Chinese New Year is heavily associated with the vibrant color of red in order to scare off ancient mythical beasts and spirits and as a sign for prosperity and luck. Dancing and active festivals are a huge part of the 16 day period as well. It is also considered tradition to clean and sweep your living space to the maximum before the lantern festival.

This Chinese New Year celebrates the year of the Horse. In summary, no two years are the same in terms of celebrating an animal! The Chinese New Year follows a 12 year cycle that represents a different animal each year. Each animal is meant to influence different positive traits and personalities, such as the Tiger for bravery and confidence, the Rat for resourcefulness and intelligence, and the Horse for energy and independence. Some animals for different years are said to have compatibility in companionship, such as the Rat and the Dragon. Don’t hesitate to see which animal of the year you could be represented by!

During the Chinese New Year, there are many phrases and expressions that you can use to wish prosperity and give greetings.

Some expressions include:

Xīnnián kuàilè! (Happy New Year!)
Gōngxǐ fācái! (Wishing you prosperity and wealth.)
Wànshì rúyì. (May all your wishes come true.)
Dàjí dàlì! (Great fortune and good luck!)