As communities worldwide prepare for Lunar New Year celebrations on February 10, traditional door decorations are emerging as vibrant messengers of cultural heritage. These crimson artworks, blending ancient symbolism with modern creativity, carry deep wishes for fortune in the Year of the Horse.
CGTN's Séan Doherty recently demonstrated this living tradition through an intricate paper design featuring a stylized horse clutching the Chinese character "ma" (马). The composition integrates multiple prosperity symbols: the golden "fu" (福) character for good fortune, historic coin motifs representing wealth, and dynamic firework patterns symbolizing celebration.
"These elements form a visual language passed through generations," observed a Beijing cultural historian. "The horse specifically embodies stamina and advancement – particularly meaningful as 2026 marks a new cycle in the Chinese zodiac."
Contemporary artists are reinventing this tradition through digital platforms. A new "All Things Horses" challenge encourages global participation, inviting creators to share equine-themed interpretations of Lunar New Year symbolism. Selected works may be featured in international cultural exhibitions later this spring.
