Chinese New Year 2026: what can and cannot be done in the year of the Fiery Horse

The Year of the Fiery Horse according to the Eastern calendar will bring dynamic changes and new opportunities, and observing the traditions and rituals of the Chinese New Year will help attract good luck and avoid trouble. About when to celebrate the holiday — in the material of Izvestia.

The main bans on Chinese New Year 2026

The first day of the holiday is especially important, as it sets the energy of the whole year. According to tradition, it is forbidden to sweep the floor and take out the trash, so as not to lose financial luck. It is forbidden to use scissors, needles and other sharp objects, so as not to "cut" well-being.

It is also not recommended to pronounce words with negative connotations, especially those related to illness, death and poverty. Quarrels and conflicts should be avoided and money should not be lent during the first three days of the holiday. Black and white colors in clothing are considered undesirable, as they are associated with mourning.

Traditions and rituals to attract good luck

Preparations for the holiday begin a week in advance with a general cleaning of the house, symbolizing getting rid of the old baggage of problems. On the evening of February 16, families gather for a gala dinner, where the obligatory dishes are fish as a symbol of abundance and dumplings in the form of gold bars. There should be an even number of dishes on the table.

In the first minutes of the new year, fireworks and firecrackers are set off to scare away evil spirits. On the morning of February 17, the children congratulate their older relatives with the traditional greeting "Gongxi fatsai" and receive red "hongbao" envelopes. During the 15 days of the holiday, relatives visit, give gifts and decorate houses with paired inscriptions wishing well-being.

Traditional dishes for Chinese New Year 2026

Fish is the main dish of the New Year's table, cooked entirely with the head and tail, symbolizing the completeness and continuity of the life cycle. Carp baked with soy sauce and ginger and steamed sea bass are popular. The fish is not eaten completely, leaving some for the next day as a sign of confidence in future abundance.

Jiaozi dumplings are molded in the shape of ancient gold bars. The filling is traditionally made from pork and cabbage, sometimes shiitake mushrooms and shrimp are added. In some dumplings, they put a coin — whoever finds it predicts financial success. It is served with soy sauce and sesame oil, optionally with rice vinegar.

Sweet dishes include nyangao, a sticky rice pie with red beans or date paste, symbolizing increased prosperity, and tangyuan, sticky balls in sweet syrup, symbolizing family unity. Tangerines and oranges are also served at the table, symbolizing gold and success, and tea and red juices are preferred from drinks.

The meaning of the Fiery Horse and tips for 2026

The Year of the Fiery Horse is conducive to bold endeavors and career growth. It is recommended to be proactive in professional matters, but avoid hasty financial decisions. Projects related to creativity, education, and international initiatives are particularly successful.

To attract good luck, they wear red and gold-colored clothes, use accessories with the image of a horse, and give gifts in red packaging. It is important to maintain harmony in the family and at work, as the Horse values stability and respect in the environment.

Keeping traditions for a successful celebration

Following traditions, paying attention to prohibitions and a well-designed menu will help you tune into the energetic rhythm of the year of the Fiery Horse and attract good luck. An appropriate wardrobe, festive meals, and family care will be key elements of a successful Chinese New Year celebration.

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