Though we’re already two months into 2026, the holiday season isn’t quite over yet. With dates varying annually, Lunar New Year falls between Feb. 17 and March 3, marking the beginning of the Year of the Horse. Just like any other holiday, it is overflowing with unique cultural practices.
The history behind the horse itself is rich: it embodies perseverance and freedom, and is one of 12 cyclical zodiac signs symbolizing their respective years. This means that if you were born in a zodiac animal’s corresponding period, you are believed to personify that animal’s attributes yourself. Another example is the Tiger, signifying strength and courage, while the Dog stands for honesty and loyalty.
Over the course of this 15-day celebration, relatives and friends collectively participate in refreshing their homes, worshipping their ancestors, attending celebratory festivals and welcoming the blossoming spring with open arms.
Many of these celebrations are intent on bringing in good fortune and deflecting bad luck, through practices like family gatherings and large feasts. Even something like spring cleaning, which we are all familiar with, has its own significance behind it: ridding the home of negativity and welcoming positivity.
Asian Affinity club member and junior Brandon Khuu commented on what his family does to keep old traditions alive.
They partake in “cleaning the entire house the day before (no work on New Year’s), using red envelopes, dressing in specific clothing (áo dài), and honoring elders.”
What makes the observance important to him?
“One being the food, as we typically eat dishes only meant for the new year. The other, being able to spend time with loved ones for yet another year and many years to come,” Khuu said.
The key to this new year is expressing your gratitude, and what makes it so notable is that every small action is deeply meaningful; from getting dressed in the morning to sweeping the floor, it teaches people to live in the moment, while still showing their respect for the past and hopes for the future.
Even if your family doesn’t celebrate this holiday, it nonetheless displays beauty and inclusivity, demonstrating that people from every background have something important to learn from its delicate procedures.
