"Also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, the festival marking the advent of spring is widely celebrated in China and several East Asian countries. Families traditionally gather during this time to share sumptuous meals, while children are often given money in red packets known as "hong bao." The start of the Lunar New Year also sees the rotation of the Chinese zodiac that runs over a 12-year cycle, each represented by an animal."
"There are several stories explaining the zodiac. One legend goes that the Jade Emperor an important Chinese deity invited all the animals to a "great race," with the first 12 winning his favor. The 12 who made it in order of appearance are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig."
"If you were born in the years 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 or 2026, you are a horse. Each animal year is further associated with one of five elements wood, fire, earth, metal or water. So more precisely, 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse. In traditional Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes strength, speed, courage, loyalty, freedom and talent. Those born under this zodiac sign are often said to be brave, steady, upright, faithful and independent."
"Notable horses include South Africa's first Black president Nelson Mandela, Chinese kung fu film star Jackie Chan, filmmakers Ang Lee and Martin Scorsese, "Avatar" actor Zoe Saldana, ex-Beatle Paul McCartney, and British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. And, the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, who upon setting foot on the lunar surface famously declared: "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.""
The first day of the Chinese New Year falls on February 17. Also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, the festival marks the advent of spring and is widely celebrated across China and several East Asian countries. Families gather for large meals and children often receive money in red packets called hong bao. The Lunar New Year rotates the Chinese zodiac, a 12-year cycle represented by animals determined by a legendary race organized by the Jade Emperor. 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse; the horse symbolizes strength, speed, courage, loyalty, freedom and talent, and people born in horse years are described as brave, steady, upright, faithful and independent.
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