It’s almost time to celebrate the Chinese New Year—also known as Lunar New Year and The Spring Festival—a festive time for those who follow the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Starting on February 17, 2026, Chinese and other Asian communities dance, give gifts, worship their ancestors, and pray. Each new lunar year, the symbol associated with the year changes according to the 12 different Chinese zodiac symbols, and is paired with one of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, or earth. The Chinese zodiac of 2026 is the Year of the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse.
Whether you’re expecting a baby in 2026 or are just curious about the fascinating world of the Chinese zodiac, I reached out to Dr. Jenelle Kim, a 9th-generation master herbalist, doctor of traditional Oriental medicine, and author, to share her thoughts on what the Chinese zodiac means for the new little ones joining us this year. Keep reading for what the Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse means for 2026 babies.
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Dr. Jenelle Kim, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Dr. Kim is nationally board-certified in herbology, Oriental medicine, and acupuncture. She also been featured in Forbes, Allure, Meditation Magazine, Time, & Good Morning America.
What are the Chinese zodiac animals?
Dr. Kim explained, “In Traditional Oriental Medicine, the Chinese Zodiac, or Shengxiao, holds a special place, representing a 12-year cycle with each year symbolizing an animal. Each animal is believed to bestow distinct characteristics and energies on individuals born in its year. Unlike Western astrology, which follows the solar calendar, the Chinese Zodiac is lunar-based.”
From the spirited Rat to the wise Ox, each Chinese zodiac sign carries its own set of qualities that shape the personality of those born under its influence. Here are some general traits and characteristics of each.
Dog (狗 – Gǒu)
1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018
Loyal, honest, and protective, symbolizing sincerity and reliability.
Pig (猪 – Zhū)
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, and 2019
Compassionate, diligent, and generous, symbolizing sincerity and contentment.
Rat (鼠 – Shǔ)
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, and 2020
Quick-witted, resourceful, and adaptable, representing intelligence and charm.
Ox (牛 – Niú)
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, and 2021
Diligent, dependable, and strong, symbolizing hard work and reliability.
Tiger (虎 – Hǔ)
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, and 2022
Brave, confident, and competitive, embodying courage and passion.
Rabbit (兔 – Tù)
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, and 2023
Gentle, quiet, and elegant, representing kindness and sensitivity.
Dragon (龙 – Lóng)
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, and 2024
Ambitious, charismatic, and innovative, a symbol of power and success.
Snake (蛇 – Shé)
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and 2025
Wise, intuitive, and graceful, representing intelligence and mystery.
Horse (马 – Mǎ)
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, and 2026
Energetic, free-spirited, and adventurous, symbolizing perseverance and vitality.
Goat (羊 – Yáng)
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, and 2015
Gentle, kind, and compassionate, symbolizing harmony and artistic sensibility.
Monkey (猴 – Hóu)
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, and 2016
Intelligent, witty, and playful, signifying cleverness and resourcefulness.
Rooster (鸡 – Jī)
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, and 2017
Punctual, hardworking, and confident, representing diligence and loyalty.
What’s special about the 2026 Chinese zodiac animal?
This year, Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, marking the Year of the Horse. Last celebrated in 2014, this Chinese zodiac animal has positive symbolism: vitality, speed, and perseverance. This year of the Fire Horse is also viewed as a time of optimism and opportunity.
According to an article by Ruby Zhao on China Highlights, The Horse is also associated with success and good fortune in Chinese culture. “There is a phrase “马到成功” in Chinese,” wrote Zhao, “It represents achieving success swiftly and smoothly, just like when a victorious horse arrives at the battlefield.”
Babies born in the Year of the Horse
Babies born in the Year of the Horse are often considered to be energetic, independent, free-spirited, and charismatic—while they can be stubborn, at times, too.
Though these characteristics and traits are rooted in the Chinese zodiac belief system, Dr. Kim said that it is “essential to recognize that these traits are just foundational influences. The environment, upbringing, and personal choices ultimately shape an individual’s journey.”
Babies born this year are in good company. Thomas Edison, Aretha Franklin, Paul McCartney, Jerry Seinfeld, Jackie Chan, Usher, Jennifer Lawrence, and Greta Thunberg were also born in the Year of the Horse, while Halle Berry and Adam Sandler are also Fire Horse babies (born in 1966).
Happy Lunar New Year!
Erin Celletti, Contributing Writer
Erin is an NYC-based writer with a BA in Journalism from Quinnipiac University and two master’s degrees in education. She is a proud mama to a little girl and a lifestyle, beauty, wellness, and trends reports writer. Beyond The Everymom, Erin’s editorial work has been featured in publications like Bustle, Allure, Byrdie, The Everygirl, TeenVogue, BRIDES, Sunday Edit, and TODAY.
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
Kathy Sisson has been a key contributor in the editorial parenting space for eight years, not only as a full-time editor at The Everymom but previously as a freelance writer for top parenting sites, including Scary Mommy, Motherly, Parent Co., and more. As an editor at The Everymom, she has produced hundreds of articles on a range of parenting topics, reviewed dozens of family-focused products, interviewed leading experts in the children and parenting world, and created viral parenting social media content. A mom of two, she is committed to sharing the honest, helpful, and often humorous stories of motherhood.
Images in feature graphics credited to Adobe Stock and Marine Fleury | Dupe
