LUNAR NEW YEAR
2026 Year of the HORSE
Lunar New Year marks the change of the Chinese Lunar Calendar Year and is celebrated with gifts, games, and a new Zodiac sign for the year. Turning in a twelve year cycle, the signs of the Zodiac celebrate different aspects and parts of personality and life.
An integral part of culture across Asia, Lunar New Year is filled with good energy and wishes to start out each new cycle with hope and generosity. Fireworks, music, and dances celebrate life and happiness, starting out each new year with good energy to last all year long.
History of Chinese Zodiac
Many thousands of years ago the Jade Emperor called on all the animals to partake in a race and see who the fastest 12 animals were. The animals all assembled and the finish line was set as a river that had to be crossed.
Although the ox came to the river first, the rat jumped on his back and then over his head to the other side making himself the first animal to cross the finish line and the ox came in second.
The tiger and the rabbit crossed next and then the dragon, who could have been first since he can fly, but he stopped to save a village from a fire along the way. The snake came next because he startled the horse who crossed the river after calming down.
Then came the sheep, the monkey, and the rooster. The dog finished next to last because he stopped to play in the river. While the pig came in last after stopping to rest and eat along the way.
This is how the order of Zodiac was chosen.
12 Zodiacs
Below you’ll find each Chinese Zodiac sign with its core traits, best compatibility matches, lucky numbers, and the local merchant proudly representing that sign in our Lunar New Year Shopping Passport
Rat
Dates: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
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Traits : Rats are clever, social, and tenacious people who thrive in groups. They value security over tasking risks and work to support their communities and families.
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Best Matches: Dragon, Monkey
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Lucky Numbers: 1, 4, 6, 9
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Local Merchant:
Ox
Dates: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
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Traits : Ox are quiet, reserved, and patient hard workers. They value tradition and routine and their practical mindset is both their greatest asset and, at times, their greatest weakness.
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Best Matches: Rooster, Snake
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Lucky Numbers: 2, 7
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Local Merchant:
Tiger
Dates: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
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Traits : Tigers are passionate risk takers with a keen sense of adventure. They are trustworthy and upstanding members of their community who are charismatic and quick to lead.
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Best Matches: Horse, Dog
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Lucky Numbers: 2, 7
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Local Merchant:
Rabbit
Dates: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
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Traits : Rabbits are sensitive, optimistic, and imaginitive. They are keen to seek out comfort above all else and known to have artisitc tendancies.
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Best Matches: Pig, Sheep
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Lucky Numbers: 0, 6, 2
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Local Merchant:
Dragon
Dates: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036
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Traits : Dragons are idealistic, romantic, goal-oriented visionaries. They are powerful, enthusiastic, and possess a keen sense of self.
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Best Matches: Rat, Monkey
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Lucky Numbers: 6, 8
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Local Merchant:
Snake
Dates: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037
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Traits : Snakes are cautious, cool, and mysterious. While they are often mistaken as aloof and suspicious, underneath their cold exterior they are sensitive and wise.
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Best Matches: Ox, Rooster
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Lucky Numbers: 1, 8
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Local Merchant:
Horse
Dates: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038
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Traits : Horses are confident and responsible. Although they are impatient and dislike authority, they are intelligent and agreeable.
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Best Matches: Dog, Tiger
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Lucky Numbers: 2, 7
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Local Merchant:
Goat
Dates: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039
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Traits : Goats are mild, loyal, and gentle. They are heralds of promise and prosperity. Often very spiritual people they are community centered and dependent on their families.
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Best Matches: Rabbit, Pig
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Lucky Numbers: 2, 7
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Local Merchant:
Monkey
Dates: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040
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Traits : Monkeys are highly intelligent, adaptaive problem solvers who are quick to jump into tasks and groups. They fit in well wherever they are and love to meet new people and travel.
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Best Matches: Dragon, Rat
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Lucky Numbers: 2, 3
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Local Merchant:
Rooster
Dates: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041
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Traits : Roosters are capable, decisive, and serious. They are outspoken and rule-abiding with a strong sense of justice.
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Best Matches: Snake, Ox
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Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 8
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Local Merchant:
Dog
Dates: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042
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Traits : Dogs are brave, helpful, and loyal. They are hoenst and kind-hearted with a spirit of selfless dedication.
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Best Matches: Tiger, Horse
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Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 9
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Local Merchant:
Pig
Dates: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043
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Traits : Pigs are calm, capable, and sometimes a little too generous. They are passionate and enthusiatic with a big social circle and many close friendships.
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Best Matches: Rabbit, Sheep
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Lucky Numbers: 4, 9
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Local Merchant: