Chinese Dragon Illustration by Scarlett Gonzalez
Chinese New Year is based off the Lunar Calendar, and each year is associated with a different animal from the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Dragon is the most celebrated, the dragon is a symbol of tradition and strength, but the horse is the symbol for this year, 2026, making it a central figure in the festival. The horse means freedom, movement, and momentum. There are many more in the zodiac. During this time people decorate with red lanterns and it’s common to get red envelopes filled with money. The color red is considered lucky in Chinese culture and is believed to bring good fortune.
