Lunar New Year: Welcoming the Year of the Horse
Happy New Year! If you’ve already broken your resolutions, there may be a chance for a do-over. Although the Gregorian Calendar says we’re well into the second month of the year, the Lunar New Year was today. I’m much more accustomed to the rituals I practice on December 31st, but the internet has taught me a lot about the Lunar New Year, and I feel pretty compelled to participate.
Originating from different East and Southeast Asian cultures, the Lunar New Year emphasizes renewal, luck, and prosperity. This year, we’re guided by the horse, which symbolizes rapid change, independence, high energy, and freedom. This year will look a bit different for everyone, but here are some ways to start welcoming in the Year of the Horse.
Feelings/Actions:
The Year of the Horse has a work-hard, play-hard spirit. While it’s important to pay attention to studies and career commitments, it’s just as crucial that we take time to be social, have fun, and act on impulse every once in a while. After last year (led by the snake), you may find yourself leaving a slow-paced, introspective, and emotional spirit for a high-energy, ambitious, and passion-filled year. Much like the snake, we need to shed things that no longer serve us. Pay attention to habits, relationships, and personal qualities that feel restrictive or no longer fit. This year, aim to stop people pleasing, get rid of unnecessary worry, and take risks.
What to Watch:
Legally Blonde: Is there a better way to start the year than with an instant confidence booster? That’s exactly what this movie is. Although sometimes seen as extra, Elle Woods is the perfect role model for believing in yourself and taking charge of your life. At the end of the day, the only person you’re with forever is yourself, so it’s important to have self-confidence and work towards achieving your goals.
Gone Girl: To those who have seen the movie, I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t Amy Dunne kind of crazy? To that I say: you’re exactly right. Although Amy doesn’t always display the best show of character, this movie is the perfect way to kick off a fast-paced, impulsive year. This year, specifically, is the Year of the Fire Horse, and Amy is definitely fueled by intensity and passion.
La La Land: At first glance, it’s all beautiful sunsets and flash mobs, but La La Land is really about momentum, risk, and choosing the life that pulls you forward, even when it costs you something. Mia and Sebastian both choose to chase their dreams against a particularly competitive landscape in Los Angeles. It’s romantic, but not in a fairytale way. This is a movie about ambition, missed turns, and the uncomfortable truth that sometimes the bravest choice is prioritizing yourself over the version of life that feels safest.
What to Read:
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie: I think I’ll find a way to recommend this book in every blog post I write. There are truly no wasted pages. The plot is so airtight and is surprising with each chapter. The characters are chaotic, impulsive, and a little bit crazy, which is pretty fitting for this year.
The Comeback by Ella Berman: The Comeback is, yes, a comeback story. But more than that, it’s about our main character, Grace, taking control of her life and accepting her rights and wrongs. Although some of her actions in the book are not entirely defensible, her intentions are good. She shows us how to be passionate, independent, and change ourselves for the better.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry: The movie became super popular last month, but I recommend reading it because Emily Henry’s writing is what makes this story so special. The fiery energy guiding this year is seen in Poppy, who does what she wants, when she wants to. She is in tune with her emotions and isn’t afraid to be loud, sing in public, and be unapologetically herself. This book taught me that it’s okay if you’re not right for everyone; you just have to be right for yourself. Personally, I think we could all take a page from Poppy’s book and learn to forget about embarrassment this year.
This New Year, the horse invites us to act with intention and courage, and allow ourselves to change direction without overexplaining it. You don’t need a perfect plan or flawless execution; you just need to start. So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to take a risk, speak up, or chase something that feels slightly terrifying, consider this it.
Happy Lunar New Year!