February 17 marks an important date this year.
It's Lunar New Year!
Lunar New Year, also called Chinese New Year, has a rich history that dates back over a millennium. The Chinese zodiac is believed to have first appeared in the 5th century BCE, but the true date is unknown. What we do know is that the zodiac was used at least 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty. It is made up of 12 animals that each represent a different year.
The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey,
rooster, dog, and pig. Image by rawpixel.com
This year, 2026, marks the year of the horse. The horse is the seventh animal in the zodiac, and it is thought to be energetic and free-spirited. What can we expect in 2026? According to the Chinese zodiac, this year will bring change, a faster pace, and new opportunities.
Celebrations in 2026
Today, the Lunar New Year is a time to gather with family and friends. Outside the home, celebrations are easy to spot. Red-colored decorations adorn houses, storefronts, and streets to symbolize new life and prosperity. During Lunar New Year, everyone can enjoy the sights and sounds of traditional dances and the firework display. The bang of drums, the clang of cymbals, and the crackle of firecrackers signal a fresh start to the year.
Traditional dancing is performed at a Lunar New Year festival in Orlando, Florida.
In the United States, Lunar New Year celebrations can be found in cities across the country. Want to find events in cities near you? Check out our list below:
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Philadelphia
- Las Vegas
- Chicago
- Boston
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Washington DC
- Houston
- Orlando
- Honolulu
Learning Resources for Kids
With so many events in February and March, Lunar New Year is a great opportunity to learn about Asian history and culture. Here are some books and activities your kids can enjoy:
- Check out the Los Angeles Chinese American Museum's printable activities.
- Young readers can count the zodiac animals in this festive picturebook.
- Learn about different Lunar New Year's traditions in this children's book about a Chinese American family.
- The Walters Art Museum has a paper lantern activity that's perfect for Lunar New Year.
- And, of course, jump into Chinese history with Honest History's kids magazine Issue 2 | A Pirate's Tale
For all those celebrating, Honest History wishes you a happy Lunar New Year! May the Year of the Horse bring you abundance, prosperity, and fresh opportunities.