Manila, Philippines — February 16, 2026 — Filipino-Chinese communities and families across the country are preparing to usher in the Chinese New Year with vibrant traditions and renewed optimism as the Year of the Fire Horse begins.
In the Chinese zodiac cycle, the Horse represents courage, independence, energy, and swift progress. Combined with the fire element, 2026 is believed to carry heightened intensity—signaling a year filled with bold decisions, rapid changes, and new opportunities. For many young Filipinos balancing studies, careers, and entrepreneurial ventures, the Fire Horse year is seen as a time to move forward fearlessly.
Sweeping Away the Old
One of the most observed customs before New Year’s Day is a thorough house cleaning. This ritual symbolizes removing bad luck and stagnant energy from the previous year. However, sweeping or cleaning on New Year’s Day itself is traditionally avoided, as it is believed to drive away fresh blessings that have just entered the home.
Beyond physical cleaning, many families also take this time to “declutter” emotionally—resolving conflicts and letting go of negativity before starting anew.
The Meaning Behind Red Envelopes
The giving of red envelopes, commonly known as hongbao, remains a central part of the celebration. Elders present money in red packets to children and unmarried relatives to symbolize prosperity, protection, and good fortune.
In recent years, more young professionals have begun giving red envelopes to their parents as a gesture of gratitude, reflecting the evolving yet enduring spirit of family-centered blessings.
Dressing for Prosperity
Red continues to dominate the festivities, symbolizing joy, success, and protection from negative energy. Some feng shui practitioners, however, advise balancing red with softer colors this year due to the already strong “fire” influence.
Meanwhile, black and white—colors traditionally associated with mourning—are typically avoided on the first day of the new year. Even wearing a small red accessory is believed to invite confidence and positive energy.
Speaking Positivity
Another widely practiced belief is avoiding negative words, arguments, or mentions of misfortune during the celebration. Many families consciously promote kind speech and encouraging words, believing that what is spoken at the start of the year shapes the months ahead.
Food as a Symbol of Abundance
Food prepared during Chinese New Year carries deep symbolism. A whole fish represents surplus and continuous prosperity. Dumplings resemble gold ingots, symbolizing wealth. Tikoy (nian gao) signifies growth and upward progress, while long noodles represent longevity and should not be cut short.
Across different cultures and regions, variations of these dishes appear on dining tables, but the shared message remains clear—may there always be abundance.
As fireworks illuminate the night sky and families gather in celebration, the Year of the Fire Horse serves as a reminder that good fortune is not only awaited but cultivated. With intention, gratitude, and courage, many hope to harness the vibrant energy of 2026 and gallop toward a prosperous year ahead.
