Today marks the first day of Lunar New Year (大年初一) and the beginning of the Year of the Horse. 

The traditional Chinese lunar calendar marks time through a cycle of twelve years, each year represented by one of the animals of the Chinese zodiac. 

In Chinese culture, horses represent power, strength, and vitality, and are among the most celebrated animals. They are also noble mounts for divine guardians who are believed to bring protection and prosperity to the household.

Moreover, this year is also notably the year of the fire horse, which happens only once per 60 years. 

In addition to the 12-animal zodiac cycle, the lunar calendar also rotates between the five traditional Chinese elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. While the zodiac animals rotate every year, the elements only rotate once every two years.

The Fire Horse shares the horse’s traits, but each trait is furthered by its combination with fire–the most volatile of the five elements.

This means that the year will also demand growth, so individuals are encouraged to take risks and embrace challenges. 

People celebrate this special day by paying New Year calls to their elders, giving or receiving red envelopes with money, and dressing in new clothes to give a fresh and strong start to the new year.

The School will be hosting its annual temple fair in observance of the festival next Thursday, February 26, in the Innovation Space.

Editors’ note: This story was updated on Friday, March 6 to include images from the 2026 Temple Fair, which the School celebrated last Thursday