With the Lunar New Year set to begin on 17 February, Professor Jing Han, Director of Western Sydney University’s Institute for Australian and Chinese Arts and Culture, delves into how the zodiac cycle works and what the year ahead may bring.
Professor Han explained that if you were born in 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, or will be born on or after 17 February 2026, you are or will be a Horse, the Chinese zodiac animal symbolising success, strength, stability, and elegance.
“People born in the Year of the Horse are known for their optimism, energy, perseverance, independent thinking, love of freedom, positive mindset, compassion, and charm,” said Professor Han.
“They are excellent communicators, able to engage others in conversation and brighten any atmosphere. Passionate about freedom, they strive to break away from restraints. Highly driven in life and career, they make extraordinary efforts to achieve their goals. Horse people are ideal friends, valued for their candour, fairness, understanding, and empathy.”
Some notable Horses include Nelson Mandela, Malcolm Turnbull, Emma Watson, Barbra Streisand, Clint Eastwood, Neil Armstrong, Halle Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Martin Scorsese, Sinead O’Connor, Paul McCartney, Ang Lee and Jackie Chan.
Many East Asian and Southeast Asian countries celebrate the Chinese zodiac which is a 12-year cycle of animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig, with this year a particularly special one.
“According to the Chinese Five Elements Theory, each year is assigned one of five elements—Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, or Earth—in addition to the zodiac animal. These elements add extra personality traits to the zodiac signs,” said Professor Han.
“The year 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse. Fire Horses are intelligent, charismatic, lively, and full of enthusiasm, but they can also be stubborn.”
A rare combination that only occurs once every 60 years, the year is likely to be an intense and brilliant one according to Professor Han.
“The Year of the Horse represents success, vitality, strength, good fortune, prosperity, and opportunities,” she said.
“In Chinese ancient history, horses are crucial in winning battles, which is why they symbolise the key to success and good fortune.”
The Lunar New Year is observed across many Asian nations and is becoming increasingly recognised worldwide, including in Australia.
“Previously known as Chinese New Year, the name of the celebration has been changed in Australia to better reflect our increasingly multicultural society and to include all communities who mark the occasion,” Professor Han said.
“The Sydney Lunar Festival has grown into one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia and a major highlight of Sydney’s annual arts calendar.”
