Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is the main holiday in China and many East Asian countries. Here is why its date changes every year, where the red-colour tradition comes from, how people celebrate and which flowers and plants are placed at home to welcome a lucky year.
Orchids and other plants for festive decor are in our potted plants section.
In the Chinese calendar, 2027 is the Year of the Fire Goat (also called the Sheep or Ram). It begins on 6 February 2027 and lasts until 25 January 2028, so people born in January or early February 2027 are still Horses. Previous Goat years were 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967 (also Fire) and 1955.
In Chinese tradition the Goat stands for peace, creativity and a cosy home. The fire element adds warmth and energy, so the colours of the year are red, terracotta, burgundy and gold, plus soft pastels that suit the gentle Goat. The year is best welcomed at home with family, with fresh flowers and plants on the table; below we explain which ones symbolise prosperity.
The festival begins with the new moon according to the lunisolar calendar, so its date changes: it always falls between 21 January and 20 February. In 2027 Chinese New Year falls on 6 February, the start of the Year of the Goat. Celebrations last about two weeks and end with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month.
Each year in the Chinese calendar is linked to one of twelve animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Together with the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) they form a 60-year cycle. For many people it is above all a cultural tradition rather than a prediction of fate.For the full table of dates, see zodiac signs by month.
According to legend, at the start of the year a beast called Nian came out of the sea or mountains and attacked villages. People noticed that it feared the colour red, fire and loud noise. Since then homes have been decorated in red at New Year, lanterns lit and firecrackers set off.
Flower fairs are held in China before the festival. Homes are decorated with branches of flowering peach and plum, water narcissus timed to bloom for New Year, kumquat trees with fruit, orchids and lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana).
It is set by the lunisolar calendar: the festival begins with the new moon between 21 January and 20 February.
The Year of the Goat; Chinese New Year falls on 6 February 2027.
Flowering peach and plum branches, narcissi, orchids, kumquat trees and lucky bamboo.
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
© Kyiv 2026 UFL Flower Shop
Trademark UFL №191476 is used under license of the rights holder.
All rights reserved. Any use of materials without a link to the site is prohibited.
Birthday
Hydrangeas
