As we shed the final layers from the Year of the Snake, get ready to gallop into the Year of the Fire Horse this Lunar New Year on Feb. 17.
Dragons, red envelopes, dumplings, firecrackers and lanterns are all symbolic of the festivities tied to the 15-day Southeast Asian celebration when millions across the world will usher in a fresh start by spending time with loved ones, sharing food, attending parades, and wishing each other good fortune.
Also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival in mainland China, Lunar New Year is a global holiday that celebrates the resetting of the zodiac cycle on the Chinese lunisolar calendar.
2026 is the year of the horse, the seventh of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals.
Every year, each animal is associated with one of the five elements: metal, water, wood, fire and earth with the intersection meant to determine the qualities of someone born in that year.
This year is known as the fire horse because it coincides with the fire element, which is expected to bring "a cycle of heightened passion, boldness, energy, and courage," according to the Asia Society.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which dedicated a new collection to show "the horse's enduring nature and vital place in Chinese civilization," said that in Chinese pop culture, "horses are among the most celebrated animals, and in the spiritual realm they serve as noble mounts for divine guardians believed to bring joy, protection, and prosperity to the household."
Many countries across Asia, including China, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia and Tibet, hold large celebrations. Large cities around the world, including New York City and San Francisco, hold parades and festivals to commemorate the holiday.
In China and other East Asian societies, it's an ancient tradition to gift a red envelope -- or hóngbāo -- usually filled with some amount of money. The red color symbolizes good luck and prosperity, according to Google Arts and Culture.
Firecrackers, red lanterns and elaborate firework displays are also a large part of the Lunar New Year spectacle around the world.
Togetherness is a key component of the holiday, and many families come together to start the new year off by preparing and enjoying a meal that will bring them luck, good health and prosperity.
Lunar New Year is filled with a variety of foods, from dumplings to longevity noodles, and although both are prepared differently across different cultures, the dishes hold significant symbolism that represents longevity and prosperity, respectively.
Chef Ming Tsai previously told "Good Morning America" that green vegetables, such as watercress or bok choy, are traditionally consumed to signify financial prosperity and good fortune.
He said other popular dishes include a whole fish, chicken, or duck to bring wholeness into the new year.
Additionally, Tsai said dumplings that resemble ingots of gold are consumed to bring fortune into the new year, and should be prepared the night before.
See more recipes and traditional dishes to cook for the Lunar New Year.
