The Lunar New Year is soon approaching, beginning this year on 17 February 2026.
Even for those who don’t traditionally celebrate, the holiday often lands gently, at just the right time. January can feel both rushed and slow — still echoing with the noise of the festive season while asking us to return to routine. Lunar New Year arrives more thoughtfully. A second invitation to pause, clear space and move forward with intention rather than urgency.
A YEAR OF MOMENTUM
2026 marks the transition from the Year of the Wood Snake into the Year of the Fire Horse.
Where the Snake is a year of awareness and release - a time for shedding old layers - the Horse, by contrast, brings momentum, confidence and forward motion. It’s a year that asks us to act, but only once we’ve lightened the load.
SWEEPING AWAY THE DUST
In the final week of the Year of the Snake, we’re invited to release and reflect. In Chinese astrology, if we don’t take the time to cleanse - both physically and emotionally - it can be hard to meet the energy of the Horse with ease.
Beginning on the 24th day of the 12th lunar month - falling this year on 11 February - Chinese households traditionally carry out a thorough cleaning of the home. A ritual known as “sweeping away the dust.”
This seasonal clean symbolises clearing away bad luck, misfortune and stagnant energy from the past year, making space for renewal.
In practice, this might look like:
- Sweeping and mopping floors
- Cleansing all surfaces
- Dusting corners and under furniture often forgotten
- Washing and opening windows to let in fresh air
- Clearing clutter and simplifying spaces
- Decluttering wardrobes or letting go of items no longer needed
Once Lunar New Year arrives, cleaning tools are put away. In fact, on the first day of the Lunar New Year - 17 February 2026 - sweeping, cleaning or taking out the rubbish is to be avoided, to ensure good fortune isn’t swept away with it.
