The world will have to wait a little longer than usual to welcome in the Lunar New Year in 2026. Which is a big deal, because no less than one fifth of all humans celebrate the occasion.The Year of the Horse officially begins with the new moon on February 17, 2026, the latest start since 2015.It will last until March 3, when lantern festivals celebrate the first full moon of the new lunar year.In China, it will also mark the beginning of the Spring Festival holiday, which will last a record nine days. People often wear new clothes and make offerings to heaven, earth and ancestors during this time, and visit family, friends and temples. Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam also organise celebrations or give their citizens time off to start the new year, though they have different customs - and sometimes different zodiac animals - compared to China.For Australia, it means the smell of star anise and Sichuan peppercorns, the joyous noise and movement of dragon parades, markets and family activities in the Chinatowns of our largest cities.https://thearticlestack.com/interactive/2024/chinese-zodiac/index.html?resizable=true; size: mediumparagraphtitle: So what makes horses special?Horses are enthusiastic and fiery by nature, according to Chinese astrology. People born in the year of the horse share their Chinese zodiac with Jackie Chan, Liam Hemsworth, Vladimir I. Lenin, Greta Thunberg, Gordon Ramsay, Clint Eastwood and Joe Biden among others.But its worth noting that being in the year of your zodiac - your Ben Ming Nian in local parlance - is considered bad luck. Anyone turning 12, 24, 36 and so on is encouraged to wear red - red underwear, socks and accessories - to ward off misfortune throughout the year.The Nian in Ben Ming Nian refers to a mythical deep sea monster: The story goes Nian, who had sharp teeth and horns, would come ashore every lunar new year to terrorize Chinese villages. The villagers later discovered that hanging red decorations and lighting firecrackers scared Nian away. This is why fireworks, as well as red items, remain such a large part of Chinese New Year celebrations.There were also reports of a late surge in births during recent Years of the Horse – but not because the sign is considered particularly lucky. Superstitious parents were rushing their childrens births in an attempt to avoid having them born in the Year of the Goat.paragraphtitle: What is the Chinese zodiac?Unlike Western astrology, the Chinese zodiac doesn’t correspond to months and has no link to constellations. Instead, it’s a 12-year cycle labelled with animals and can be traced back more than 2000 years to the Han dynasty.There are many versions of the zodiac’s origin story, but most folk tales have one thing in common: a great race between the animals of the kingdom. One popular retelling says the race was called by the Jade Emperor – the supreme ruler of heaven and earth — who wanted a way to measure time. He pledged that the order in which each creature crossed the finish line would determine its rank in the 12-year zodiac cycle. Rat won the race by snatching victory from Ox, followed by Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and, finally, Pig.Each animal represents a set of personality traits and characteristics, and some zodiac signs are more desirable than others. (Sorry, Goat.)paragraphtitle: Zodiac animalsThe Chinese lunar year does not line up with the Gregorian calendar so pay attention to the exact dates of the lunar year in your year of birth – if you were born in January or February, your birthday could fall under the previous year’s zodiac sign.paragraphtitle: RatIn the great race, Ox was leading the pack as the finish line neared. But cunning Rat climbed on his back, crept to the tip of Ox’s nose and leapt off at the finish line, clinching the victory and becoming the first animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle.Similar to the mythical rodent, people born in the Year of the Rat are known for their ability to find solutions to challenges, their resourcefulness and intelligence. They’re also thought to be financially savvy, industrious and hardworking. Born in the years 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 and 2020, the Rat’s lucky colours are blue, green and gold.paragraphtitle: OxThose born in the year of the race’s unlucky runner-up are said to be hardworking, diligent, honest and straightforward. Oxen are also renowned for their reliable, patient demeanour, and methodical approach to life. They’re known for being conservative, with a focus on traditional family values. Due to their preference for stability, they can resist sudden change. The years of the Ox are 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, and 2021. The Ox’s lucky colours are blue, red and purple.paragraphtitle: TigerTiger came third in the great race, and those born in the year of the ferocious feline are said to exude charm, charisma and confidence. They’re protective, independent and passionate, but also have an impulsive nature, which can make them prone to acting before they think. According to traditional Chinese lore, girls and women born in the Year of the Tiger are bad-tempered, wild and unpredictable – destined to bring bad luck to their families. But as contemporary attitudes evolve, Tigers are less likely to be associated with temperamental wives.Those born in 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 and 2022 fall under the Year of the Tiger. Their lucky colours are black, blue, grey, orange, purple and white.paragraphtitle: RabbitIn the race, Rabbit bounced across the line in fourth place, having hopped across the backs of the other animals — and any obstacles. Just like the creature itself, those born in the Year of the Rabbit are gentle, mild-mannered and polite. With an artistic and creative flair, rabbits appreciate beauty and enjoy the finer things in life. They’re intelligent and perceptive, but also cautious in their decision-making. In Chinese culture, rabbits are associated with luck and prosperity, so people born in the Year of the Rabbit are considered fortunate and blessed.In the Vietnamese zodiac, a cat features in the fourth slot instead. One explanation is that the pronunciation of the rabbit in Mandarin (māo) is very similar to the Vietnamese word for cat (mèo). Raising rabbits is also uncommon in the south-east Asian nation, while cats are seen as helpful creatures that protect homes and crops from rodents.People born in 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 and 2023 are Rabbits and their lucky colours are black, blue, grey, pink, purple and red.paragraphtitle: DragonPossessing speed and the ability to fly, Dragon could have easily won the great race. But Chinese dragons are benevolent and control the weather, so noticing a drought and villagers desperate for rain, the mythical creature finished fifth after stopping to provide a downpour. Other retellings say Dragon stopped to help other racing animals cross a river, letting them finish ahead.Those born in the Year of the Dragon are charming, confident, charismatic leaders who are comfortable in the spotlight. With high levels of intelligence, ambition and energy, they set lofty goals but value their independence. Like their zodiac animal, Dragons can also be temperamental and impatient.Dragons were born in the years 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 and 2024. Their lucky colours are yellow and green.paragraphtitle: SnakeOverlooked by the other animals, Snake slithered across the line to finish sixth, taking their competitors by surprise. Other versions of the folk tale say Snake secretly hitched a ride on Horse’s hoof and jumped off, scaring the equine and edging ahead.Snakes are considered intelligent, analytical, determined and ambitious. Known for their charm, they can be captivating and seductive but also exude an air of mystery. Resilient and independent, Snakes value their personal space and can rebound from personal setbacks.Those born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013 fall under the Year of the Snake, which is sometimes culturally referred to as the “little Dragon”. Their lucky colours are black, pale yellow and red.paragraphtitle: HorseDespite being a crowd favourite and expected to win on the trot, the show pony was a late starter after grandstanding and prancing for attention at the starting line. Horse eventually galloped across the finish line in seventh place.According to Chinese astrology, people born in the Year of the Horse are confident, adventurous and independent. They enjoy physical activities and exploring new horizons, and are known for their generosity and hardworking spirit. However, Horses can also be impulsive and prone to attention-seeking behaviour.Horses were born in the years 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 and 2014. Their lucky colours are blue, gold, red and yellow.paragraphtitle: GoatCalm, gentle Goat wasn’t after victory or glory, and instead decided to keep pace with its friend, Horse, finishing shortly behind in eighth. Other variations of the folk tale say the Jade Emperor assigned Goat, Monkey and Rooster their respective rankings in the zodiac after learning that the animals worked together to cross a river during the race.People born in the Year of the Goat can be shy, often taking time to warm up to new people. They’re kind, sensitive souls who are sympathetic and understanding, going to great lengths to keep the peace and avoid conflict.The Year of the Goat is sometimes referred to as the Year of the Sheep, as the Chinese character for both animals is identical. The years of the Goat are 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 and 2015. Goats’ lucky colours are green, purple and red. paragraphtitle: MonkeyAfter working with Goat and Rooster to make it to the finish line, cheeky Monkey was awarded the ninth spot in the zodiac.Like their zodiac animal, those born in the Year of the Monkey are said to be resourceful, quick-witted and intelligent problem-solvers, with energetic personalities that can border on restless. Charming, playful and mischievous, Monkeys are the life of the party, with a gift for entertaining and storytelling. They can also be bold risk-takers who value their independence and possess a competitive streak.Monkeys were born in 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 and 2016. Their lucky colours are white and blue.paragraphtitle: RoosterThe only bird in the race, plucky Rooster strutted across the finish line in 10th place after collaborating with Goat and Monkey on the way. Known for being courageous and protective, vocal Roosters are not afraid to stand up for their beliefs. Their flamboyant personalities mean they enjoy the spotlight and won’t be shy about expressing their opinions. Roosters are hardworking, observant, punctual and detail-orientated, making them excellent colleagues in the workplace. Despite their outgoing natures, Roosters can also lean conservative and hold traditional values.Those born in 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 and 2017 are considered to fall under the Rooster sign. Their lucky colours are gold, brown and yellow.paragraphtitle: DogShaking water off its fur, Dog bounded across the finish line in 11th place. When asked to explain its late arrival, the playful canine said it came across a river and couldn’t resist going for a swim. Renowned for their loyalty, Dogs stand by their loved ones through thick and thin. They make excellent friends and have an approachable, trustworthy and reliable nature. Dogs are also caring and protective, and sensitive to the needs of others.They tend to be modest and reserved, choosing not to seek the limelight and may take time to warm up before revealing their true selves. Like the fabled Dog, they can also be impulsive and lack patience.Dogs were born in the years 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 and 2018. Their lucky colours are black, green, purple and red.paragraphtitle: PigComing in last didn’t faze easygoing Pig. Midway through the race, the story goes, Pig became hungry, paused for a meal, then slept off its exertions with a nap before wandering over to finish 12th. Those born in the Year of the Pig appreciate life’s hedonistic delights, indulging in good food and other pleasures. But while Pigs prefer a relaxed lifestyle, they can be responsible hard workers when they set their minds to a task. Known for their generosity, compassion and trustworthiness, Pigs are also optimists by nature. People born in 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 and 2019 are years of the Pig. Their lucky colour is yellow.paragraphtitle: What are the Chinese zodiac elements?According to the full Chinese zodiac, an individual isn’t just defined by their animal sign. The five key elements of Chinese philosophy – wood, fire, earth, metal and water – also play a part. A specific element is assigned to each lunar year, so when the 12 animals are combined with the five elements, it creates a 60-year cycle of different element-animal combinations.The element assigned to 2025 is wood, making it the Year of the Wood Snake. According to Chinese astrology, the temperament of a person born in the Year of the Wood Snake would differ from someone who was born 12 years earlier, in the Year of the Water Snake.Finding out the element of your birth year is simple, just use the following formula:Metal: Birth year ending in 0 or 1Water: Birth year ending in 2 or 3Wood: Birth year ending in 4 or 5Fire: Birth year ending in 6 or 7Earth: Birth year ending in 8 or 9Wood is a symbol of growth and enthusiasm. Stable and practical, people born in a wood year are believed to be idealists with bold imaginations. Meanwhile, the fire element is associated with a passionate, expressive personality, while earth elements are practical, reliable and nurturing. People born in the year of the metal element are said to be disciplined, unyielding and rigid, while those connected to the water element are creative and sensitive introverts believed to be strongly in touch with their emotions.