Illinois Events

Lunar New Year marks the start of a new year in many lunar and lunisolar calendars. Celebrated across numerous countries and cultures, it falls on different dates and is observed through a wide variety of joyful traditions.

Among the many cultures that celebrate Lunar New Year, in the Chinese tradition, Lunar New Year’s Eve in 2026 falls on February 16, followed by Lunar New Year on February 17, a turning of the season that welcomes spring and carries a spirit of renewal and hope. Nianhua 年画 (often translated as “New Year pictures”) are festive images traditionally displayed on walls, windows, doors, or entrance gates to greet the new season and invite good fortune. Their subjects are wonderfully diverse: protective guardians and deities from Buddhist and Daoist traditions; revered figures from folk beliefs; auspicious symbols and wishes for personal and family prosperity; exemplary scholars and military heroes; scenes of everyday happiness; and stories drawn from history, folklore, novels, and opera. The year’s zodiac animal is also a popular theme, and 2026 is the Year of the Horse, often associated with energy, warmth, and independence.

This exhibition presents a selection of Chinese nianhua and related images exploring Lunar New Year themes and the horse, offering a glimpse into the hopes, stories, and celebrations they carry. May you enjoy an energetic and fruitful year ahead.