Happy Lunar New Year!

Wishing you all health, wealth and happiness.

The lunisolar calendar combines the monthly cycles of the moon with the yearly cycle of the sun meaning that it does not line up exactly with our universal calendar. In 2026, the Lunar New Year will take place on Tuesday 17 February. 

The Lunar New Year is celebrated in countries across Asia and the Middle East, most famously in China. There, it is more commonly known as the Spring Festival and lasts 15 days, culminating in a Lantern Festival. It is a time for gift-giving, visiting extended family and setting off fireworks. You may also see lion dance troupes, whose performances help to usher in the new year and expel evil spirits.

In many cultures, again most famously China, each lunar year is associated with an animal from the zodiac (usually the same across different countries). There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig, always in this order. According to the legend, which animals and the order they appear in was decided by a race organised by the Jade Emperor.

It is important to note some of the differences in zodiac in other countries. For example, in Japan, they have a boar instead of a pig and in Thailand, a Naga (a mythical snake-like monster worshipped for fertility and wealth) instead of a dragon. Additionally, the Vietnamese zodiac sees a buffalo come second, instead of an ox, and a cat in fourth place, rather than a rabbit. 

This is also a great opportunity to learn about Myanmar whose zodiac is associated with the days of the week, rather than years. Wednesday is split into morning and afternoon, meaning eight animals are required. These are: Garuda (a mythical bird), Tiger, Lion, Elephant (with tusks), Elephant (without tusks), Rat, Guinea Pig and Dragon.

2026 will be the Year of the Horse. Much like the western zodiac, which see 12 signs appointed throughout the year, your Chinese zodiac is thought to impact your personality and values. The zodiac of the year can influence your health, luck and prosperity depending on your sign. If you are interested in astrology, this could be something you enjoy exploring.

At the Careers Service, we’d like to wish you all a Happy Lunar New Year and hope the Year of the Horse brings you good health, good luck and plenty of joy!