As we bid farewell to the Year of the Wood Snake and welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, the celebration of Lunar New Year, which begins with the new moon on February 17, 2026 and culminates on March 3, 2026 with the Lantern Festival, brings with it a burst of colour (mostly lucky red) and many floral customs representing tradition and symbolism. Among the myriad rituals that mark this festive occasion, the significance of flowers takes centre stage, each bloom carrying its own story and meaning.

For the second year in a row, Fleurs de Villes: LUNAIRE will celebrate the Lunar New Year with a spectacular showcase of floral artistry in San Jose. From February 11 to 17, 2026, Westfield Valley Fair will host this stunning exhibit of 15 floral mannequins created by local floral artists that capture the spirit and traditions of the lunar new year through flowers. Scroll through the gallery above to see some of last year's standouts and get a taste of what to expect for this year's celebrations.

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THE YEAR OF THE FIRE HORSE: WHAT TO EXPECT

The Year of the Fire Horse gallops in with intensity, independence, and forward momentum. In the East Asian zodiac, the horse signifies freedom and energy, but when fused with the fire element it becomes combustible: ambitious, charismatic, and unrestrained. Fire Horse years are said to favour bold action and personal reinvention, rewarding those who move quickly and think bravely. Today, the Fire Horse reads as a reminder that progress and transformation tend to arrive at full speed, mane flying.

FLORAL TRADITIONS OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR

Those who follow the lunar calendar clean their homes in preparation for the new year, and fill them with fresh flowers. They’re typically placed in vases and people walk around the blooms to have their wishes fulfilled for the year ahead. 

In the world of Lunar New Year flowers, peonies stand as the reigning monarchs, symbolizing prosperity, wealth, and honour. According to legend, the peony is associated with the Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty (whom we created in flowers for our FEMMES show in Southern California) who was said to have loved the flower. As a result, peonies are believed to bring good fortune and a flourishing year ahead, making them a staple in households during this celebratory time.

Narcissus are the most auspicious flowers for the lunar new year, and look and smell beautiful. They can range from white to the most vibrant of yellows and are also known as water fairy flowers or more commonly, daffodils. They represent good fortune and prosperity.

Popular for all new beginnings is the elegant orchid, representing beauty, luxury, abundance and fertility. Orchids are not only admired for their delicate petals but also for the belief that they bring harmony to relationships and families. The delicate aroma of orchids infuses homes with a sense of tranquility, fostering an atmosphere of peace and unity.

The vibrant chrysanthemum, with its petals resembling golden rays, is often chosen for its association with longevity and a full, prosperous life. In Chinese folklore, it is believed that placing chrysanthemums in your home will ward off evil spirits and bring happiness and good fortune.

It is traditional to wear red for the Lunar New Year banquets, and give out red envelopes of “lucky money” to youth. Fiery red gladiolas are also popular for young people, to represent growth in career and self-development.

Pussy willows are also very common, and represent incoming prosperity, growth and point to the beginning of spring.

The most iconic of all Lunar New Year flowers is the plum blossom. Plum blossoms, or meihua  flowers, are vibrant and pink, and bloom even during cold weather. As a result, they have come to represent perseverance, growth and reliability and are often featured in traditional Chinese paintings. According to legend, the plum blossom's ability to bloom in the harshest winter conditions signifies hope and renewal—a powerful metaphor for the start of a new lunar cycle.

Legend has it that during the Song Dynasty, a poet named Lin Bu wrote a poem praising the plum blossom's tenacity, comparing it to a beauty that remains unwavering despite the biting cold. Since then, the plum blossom has become a timeless emblem of strength and perseverance, encouraging individuals to face challenges with unwavering determination.