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On 17 February 2026, the Lunar New Year ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse, a sign synonymous with vitality, charisma, and forward momentum.
Lunar New Year is more than a date on the calendar. It is a threshold. A moment to sweep away the old, welcome prosperity, and gather with intention. Across cultures, it is celebrated with symbolism, generosity, and beautifully set tables, all designed to invite abundance into the year ahead.
This year carries a distinctly bold and radiant energy, reflecting the spirit of the Fire Horse.
In Chinese astrology, the Horse represents freedom, elegance in motion, and natural confidence. It is spirited and independent, drawn to expansion rather than hesitation.
When paired with the element of Fire, these qualities intensify.
Fire symbolises illumination, visibility, passion, and transformation. It rises. It warms. It commands presence.
Together, the Fire Horse is dynamic. It does not linger in the background. It moves decisively, radiates warmth, and encourages courageous action.
In traditional belief, when one’s zodiac sign returns, known as Ben Ming Nian, the year is considered especially potent. Energies heighten. Visibility increases. It is a time to move boldly, yet with awareness. To protect one’s energy while stepping confidently into opportunity.
The Fire Horse year invites exactly that balance.
Symbolic elements like mandarins, red envelopes, and gold accents bring prosperity and good fortune into the home.
Lunar New Year traditions are layered with meaning, each one designed to attract luck, harmony, and abundance.
Red is the colour of protection and good fortune. Gold represents wealth and prosperity. Together, they signal optimism and vitality.
Red envelopes (hongbao) are another key tradition, exchanged between family and friends to pass on blessings, luck and wealth. Their presence reinforces both the protective and auspicious qualities of the colour red.
A red envelope exchanged during Lunar New Year, a time-honoured tradition symbolising luck, blessings, and prosperity for the year ahead.
Oranges and mandarins symbolise wealth and success. Placed in bowls at the entry or on the dining table, they welcome fortune into the home.
Abundance begins at the threshold.
Homes are thoroughly cleaned before the New Year begins to clear away stagnant energy. On New Year’s Day itself, sweeping is traditionally avoided because it is believed to sweep away newly arrived luck.
During a zodiac return year, red is often worn as a protective colour. It is a subtle but powerful gesture of alignment and safeguarding.
An elegant table layered in red and candlelight creates a warm and intentional setting to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse.
The Fire Horse is expressive, magnetic, alive. Your table can echo that spirit: refined, intentional, generous.
Abundance is not excess. It is generosity. A well-set table, thoughtfully prepared dishes, and guests who feel genuinely welcomed.
Symbolic foods like dumplings and sweet rice cakes celebrate prosperity and progress.
Traditional dishes often include:
Each dish tells a story of hope for the year ahead.
A whole fish served for Lunar New Year symbolises abundance and prosperity, a meaningful tradition welcoming good fortune for the year ahead.
Champagne reflects celebration, optimism, and the forward momentum of the Fire Horse year.
Champagne has long symbolised celebration, optimism, and success. Its effervescence mirrors upward movement, with bubbles rising and energy lifting.
In a Fire Horse year, a year of confidence and forward motion, a sparkling toast feels not merely appropriate but poetic.
For an in-depth guide to champagne styles, pairings and the art of celebration, explore ‘Celebrating Champagne: A Wine For All Seasons’ – your guide to elegant gatherings, festive rituals and effervescent moments.
To learn more about the various types of champagne, see our article, The Many Types of Champagne .
A glass of rosé champagne beside a flickering red votive candle, capturing warmth, elegance, and the celebratory spirit of Lunar New Year.
The Year of the Fire Horse is not quiet. It invites presence, expansion and momentum.
It encourages us to:
May this Lunar New Year bring warmth to your home, clarity to your ambitions, and abundance to your table.
And may every glass raised this year honour both tradition and the bold spark of what lies ahead.
Wishing you a joyful and prosperous Year of the Fire Horse. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
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