Tuesday, February 17, 2026

February 17, Chinese New Year, Year of the Horse

Chinese New Year, Year of the Horse

2026 is the Year of the Horse—a powerful symbol of vitality, bold leaps, and good fortune for those ready to take on new challenges.

Horse and the 12 Zodiac Animals (Origin Story)

Chinese culture has an origin story that explains why the 12 zodiacs are represented by these 12 animals, and in this order. Horse is 7th of the zodiacs because that’s its place in the celestial race.

The race was organized by the Jade Emperor, who ruled over the heavens in Chinese legend. By his imperial decree, the first 12 animals that made it across the river would receive this eternal honor.

Horse was a crowd favorite, but because it was dawdling for the onlookers’ adoration and fanfare at the starting line, Horse didn’t start the race until it was too late to win the way everyone expected. However, it still beat the Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig to the finish line.

Horses are some of the most passionate and charismatic leaders, performers, and activists the world has ever seen. Here’s a list of famous Horses:

Joe Biden: November 20, 1942, Water Horse

Mike Tyson: June 30, 1966, Fire Horse

Jackie Chan: April 7, 1954, Wood Horse

Kobe Bryant: August 23, 1978, Earth Horse

Emma Watson: April 15, 1990, Metal Horse

Clint Eastwood: May 31, 1930, Metal Horse

Greta Thunberg: January 3, 2003, Water Horse

Cindy Crawford: February 20, 1966, Fire Horse

Mom has spent a lot of time living in cities that have large vibrant Chinatowns and Chinese New Year is always a humongous celebration. She worked in a Chinese Restaurant for a while and worked a couple of New Years. She said it is a major Spring Festival, It is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and rituals to attract good fortune, featuring red decorations, fireworks, dragon dances, and traditional, symbolic, festive meals. A

One of the things Mom says she misses the most is the Dragon and Lion Dancers as thy parade EVERYWHERE!

Here is a YouTube Video teaching Kids about Dragon Dancing!