It may just be me, but it seems there has been an uptick in buzz around the Lunar New Year this month. Across various social media platforms, “dos and don’ts” to ensure a prosperous Year of the Fire Horse — from not washing my hair to avoiding scissors and knives to the ever-so-heated debate over wearing cool tones versus the traditional red — flooded my timeline. It seemed to me, at least for one day, that the collective decided to embrace and celebrate a culture together, excited for the luck and new beginnings in store.
With its date set by China’s ancient lunisolar calendar, each new year has a corresponding animal (somewhat grasped by the general public) as well as an element (a lesser-known aspect of the sequence). The 12 animals — the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig — change every year, while the elements — wood, fire, earth, metal and water — change every two years, creating a full cycle of 60 years. This means the last time it was the Year of the Fire Horse was in 1966, and the next one will be in 2086.
Each animal and element represents unique qualities, and the combination of the two further personalizes this. Horse years are known to usher in an era of rapid change and growth, confidence and creativity, ultimately leading individuals to reach success through bold risk-taking, and the fire element amplifies and strengthens these traits. This heightened intensity, seen by some as impulsivity, can be daunting, but with the right management of such energy, good things are bound to come your way — or so it’s said.
Whether you’re a lifelong believer, simply find it fascinating to learn about, are happy to “restart” the year as you’ve already long-forgotten your resolutions, or are rolling your eyes in distaste, the idea that the next 12 months symbolize personal progression and accomplishment is somewhat inspiring. It feels like the possibility of great success is written in the stars, and this thought has personally helped dull my winter blues. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but I truly believe this fast-moving, high-energy new year will be special. And if it’s not? There’s always the Year of the Fire Goat to come.
