Lunar New Year: A look at the Year of the Horse

The Lunar New Year begins Tuesday, February 17, ushering in the Year of the Horse. The lunar calendar, used in both Chinese and Vietnamese cultures, is divided into 12 segments, with each assigned an animal sign. The Chinese New Year celebration starts with the new moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later.

According to myths, the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac were selected through a race. This race was meant to create a time measurement for people.