– Written by London Matchmaker Sabrina Choi
I grew up in Hong Kong where Lunar New Year is such an important festival. It takes place over a long week, with families gathering to celebrate their bonds. We tuck in to feasts that reflect both land and sea – with dishes such as steamed coral grouper and poon choi (a sharing pot of chicken, abalone and vegetables) that are favourites of my Cantonese family. Naturally, the conversation flows as we catch up with family who have flown in from all over the world.
Challenging each other to fierce games of mah-jongg is very much part of the proceedings; and the children run about with their Red Pockets – cash-filled envelopes, given to them by married couples, that symbolise protection. Everyone wishes each other all the blessings of the New Year – good health, prosperity and wisdom.
During the week, you’ll find me dressed in my qipao, also known as a cheongsam – the flattering, fitted, high-necked Chinese dress with its mandarin collar – of course in bright red, the luckiest colour. I’ll be visiting family, friends and acquaintances and enjoying freshly-prepared, traditional Lunar New Year snacks such as fried sesame dough balls and nian gao – or Chinese rice cake, a symbol of prosperity.
I cherish memories of being squeezed into the family car when I was little, driving across the city to visit everyone we knew. I would doze off as my mother stuffed Red Envelopes late into the evening. I remember my grandfather teaching the young adults how to do Tai Qi, to maintain a youthful body, while they laughed at the absurdity; my great-grandmother serving her famous fish maw cream corn soup, as everyone exclaimed that she should sell the century-old recipe. Relatives would gather to discuss which Chinese zodiac sign would have the best luck in the coming year. As a rebellious teenager I found this absolutely absurd, but now I catch myself watching zodiac predictions on television, especially regarding romance.
I did not realise how precious those moments were, and how they would shape me as an adult once I’d moved abroad to build a life of my own.
It’s the end of the Year of the Wood Snake, which symbolises leaving old, unhelpful habits behind to embrace positive change – as a snake sheds its skin. On 17 February 2026, we move on to the Year of the Fire Horse – a time of fiery energy and passion – the first since 1966. This rare, 60-year cycle event brings intense, fast-moving Yang Fire energy, characterised by a drive for freedom, rapid change and bold, uncompromising action. There’s a strong current of desire and emotional connections, the perfect time to ignite your quest for long-lasting love.
We must remind ourselves to stay open minded and welcome new opportunities. It doesn’t matter which year you were born in, as the Fire Horse boosts attraction and harmony for all.
If you’re thinking of taking steps to meet your special person this year, the Fire Horse also encourages you to wear fire tones – burgundy, scarlet, burnt orange, crimson – even a tie, or jewellery, can boost confidence and bring you luck. A little warning though, the Fire Horse intensifies feelings, so make sure you’re not too spontaneous! A long-lasting relationship needs a strong foundation on which to build trust.
The Fire Horse’s wild unpredictability can be lassoed to your romantic advantage. Don’t shy away from taking positive steps to seek your fate. It may seem difficult, but the friendly team at Drawing Down the Moon will go out of their way to find the right person for you. We know it’s a huge leap – use the psychic energy of the Fire Horse to help you take that first step.
If you are ready to meet someone special, contact the friendly award winning matchmakers at Drawing Down the Moon Matchmaking.
