Happy Lunar New Year!
2026: Year of the Fire Horse
February 17, 2026, marks the celebration of the Lunar New Year (sometimes called “Chinese New Year,” and known as Seollal in Korea and Têt in Vietnam), which corresponds to the first day of the year according to the traditional Chinese calendar. It is primarily celebrated in China, Korea, and Vietnam, but also in regions influenced by Chinese culture such as Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Mongolia, as well as in overseas Chinese communities. While this holiday is not central in Japan due to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1873, the “Chinese zodiac” calendar remains a cultural reference point.
The horse is the seventh of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. It is associated with vitality, freedom, and energy. It is often seen as a symbol of movement and success. In addition to its Chinese symbolism, in Japan the horse is also an animal rich in meaning because it is historically linked to Shinto shrines, where it was considered a mount of the deities. This explains the tradition of ema—wooden plaques or sheets depicting a horse, on which wishes or prayers are inscribed.
Happy New Year to all!
