For stamp collectors and enthusiasts of personal destiny predictions, Romfilatelia and the Romanian Post introduce into circulation on Tuesday, February 17th this year, a traditional philatelic issue, The Chinese Zodiac. The Year of the Fire Horse, consisting of a postage stamp with a face value of Lei 25, a First Day Cover and a maxicard for maximaphily enthusiasts.
An ingenious detail of the graphics is the harmonious insertion of the stylized year 2026 into the noble animal’s mane.
The First Day Cover of the issue depicts an imaginary scene of a horse fighting a dragon.
If in the Chinese concept dragons are beneficial beings that bring good luck, in Western mythologies (Greek, Celtic) or in Persian mythology, the dragon (Zahhak) is evil.
The horse is strong, a symbol of strength, a basic aid for elite fighters, carrying them into victory.
In European mythology, a soldier symbol of the Romanian army and religion, St. Great Martyr George – patron of 12 countries, 2 regions and 41 cities – defeats in battle a dragon that demanded tribute from the human being, also considered a symbol of evil, the embodiment of the devil.
With 12 animals and 5 elements, the Year of the Fire Horse comes around every 60 years and tends to bring both good fortune and bad luck.
In 2026, the Chinese New Year, traditionally celebrated based on the lunar calendar, begins on February 17th, 2026, and ends on February 20th, 2027 – with ‘fire’ being the element and ‘horse’ the zodiac sign. This combination symbolises energy and dynamism.
The Horse symbolizes freedom, movement, courage, and the desire for progress. It is a sign that does not remain in one place, but constantly seeks to move forward and explore new horizons. The Fire element brings passion, energy, and the impulse to act quickly, and together, the Horse and Fire create a year in which people become more determined, braver, and more eager to make significant changes.
In Chinese astrology, the Year of the Fire Horse is perceived as a period full of opportunities, but also of challenges, especially if the energy is not channeled efficiently. It is an ideal year for those who set clear goals and are willing to work to turn them into reality.
In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals paired with one of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire or earth. These elements complement and clash with one another, and it is this interplay that is believed to promote harmony, balance and order in the natural world.
The fact that there are five elements and 12 zodiac signs dictates that any given combination occurs every 60 years. The last Year of the Fire Horse, for example, was 1966. 2014 was the Year of the Wood Horse; 2002 was the Year of the Water Horse; 1990 was the Year of the Metal Horse, and 1978 was the Year of the Earth Horse.
The Chinese zodiac comprises 12 animal signs in a fixed order: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
People born in the Year of the Fire Horse are said to be determined, proactive, and full of vitality. They are confident and enthusiastic at work and are capable of handling various problems simultaneously. These live wires thrive on challenges and succeed in the face of adversity.
The Year of the Fire Horse is expected to be full of breakthroughs, innovations and rapid changes – many fortune-tellers are already predicting big technological advances, in particular in the fields of artificial intelligence and medicine.
People are encouraged to chase their dreams in the coming year, as it will present many golden opportunities.
