What Is the Year of the Horse?
In traditional Chinese culture, the attributes of each year’s animal are said to align with, or influence, people who are born in that year. This year’s celebration will kick off a new Year of the Horse. “The Year of the Horse is all about forward momentum,” says Peter Som, cookbook author, lifestyle expert, and fashion designer. “Horses symbolize energy, strength, freedom, confidence, and perseverance. There’s a sense of movement and optimism—and a love of adventure.”
While you might feel a stronger affinity for this zodiac sign if you were born in a previous Year of the Horse (such as 2002, 1990, or 1978), many of the attributes associated with the horse can inspire all of us to try something new or take a bit of a risk.
“I always think of it as a year that rewards courage and curiosity, and encourages you to trust your instincts and keep moving toward what excites you,” Som says. “This is an extra special year—it’s the year of the Fire Horse that only occurs every 60 years—so all those qualities are even more amplified and heightened.”
1. Embrace Natural Colors and Textures
You might already associate red with the Lunar New Year; typically, it symbolizes vitality, luck, and good fortune, all common themes for a new year. Red is especially important for the Year of the Fire Horse. “It symbolizes the Horse’s inherent fire and courage,” Som says. While red is a great choice for adding some of the boldness of the zodiac sign to your home decor, it’s also tempered with more natural, earthy tones.
“The use of neutrals like camel, warm browns, and sandy taupes balances the fire energy and brings calm and balance—along with touches of gold for luck and prosperity,” Som says. “From a design perspective, it’s a great year to lean into natural textures: linen tablecloths, wood accents, ceramic serving pieces. The aesthetic feels grounded but dynamic—nothing too precious, more relaxed elegance that you can live with well beyond the holiday.”
You don’t have to completely change your style to celebrate the Year of the Horse, especially if natural tones don’t suit your space. But if you’re looking for a new aesthetic to revamp a room or two, or even inspiration for a few new accents, earth tones and natural textures might be just what your home needs this year.
2. Cook with Fresh Ingredients
The Year of the Fire Horse might tempt you to reach for a bottle of hot sauce or a jar of chili flakes to bring heat to your meals, but embracing dishes that represent the Year of the Horse is much simpler. Traditional Lunar New Year foods like noodles are perfect for a new year celebration, while fresh foods with bright colors are great year-round.
“[Try] foods that emphasize freshness, natural ingredients, and bright, vibrant colors with a focus on vegetables, fruits, and grains that reflect the herbivore nature of the horse,” Som says. “This concept sits alongside traditional Lunar New Year dishes that are laden with symbolism (and very delicious), such as longevity noodles for a prosperous life, dumplings that symbolize wealth, and whole fish or chicken, which symbolize abundance.”
3. Incorporate Plants That Symbolize Luck
Houseplants are another simple way to add some of the spirit of the Year of the Horse to your life without making radical changes like repainting a room or redecorating parts of your home. “Plants that symbolize growth and vitality work beautifully, such as calla lilies, jasmine, and sunflowers—colors in fiery reds, yellows, and greens,” Som says. “Citrus trees are especially meaningful for luck and abundance, and they’re also just gorgeous. Wood element plants like bamboo are another classic choice, symbolizing balance and growth.”
If taking care of houseplants isn’t for you, try incorporating plants in other ways, such as displaying cut calla lilies or sunflowers in a vase, or looking for decor pieces that include botanical patterns. However, not having plants at all will benefit you more than plants that aren’t thriving. “Always make sure to keep your plants healthy, as wilted ones will attract negative energy," Som says.
4. Try Something New
No matter how you choose to embrace the Year of the Horse, remember its core values: momentum, courage, curiosity, and confidence. You don’t have to change your decor, become a plant person, or discover a new way of cooking to embody the year’s values. You can start smaller, by trying something you might otherwise overlook or finally finishing a project you’ve been meaning to take on.
It’s a year to trust your pace, follow your curiosity, and keep going—one step at a time.
“For me, it’s about embracing movement—physically, creatively, emotionally. Say 'yes' a little more often,” Som says. “Travel if you can, try something new in the kitchen, rearrange your space, start a project you’ve been thinking about. For people born in a Horse year, it’s a powerful reminder to honor your natural independence while staying connected to community. It’s a year to trust your pace, follow your curiosity, and keep going—one step at a time.”
