HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE CELEBRATION OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR "THE YEAR OF THE HORSE" ON FEBRUARY 17, 2026

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
RECOGNIZING THE CELEBRATION OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR "THE YEAR OF THE
HORSE" ON FEBRUARY 17, 2026

Introduced By:
Representatives Kennedy, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale,
Edwards, Diaz, Azzinaro, Bennett, Solomon, and Ajello

Date Introduced:
February 11, 2026

Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, The most important and popular of festivals, the date of the Lunar New
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Year celebration is fixed traditionally according to the lunar calendar as the second new moon
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after the winter solstice; and
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WHEREAS, Lunar New Year is celebrated by more than two billion people globally.
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This year the celebration falls on February 17, 2026; and
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WHEREAS, No one is certain how far back the New Year celebrations go in history.
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Their religious background involves clearing away the bad luck of the old year and beginning
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anew. It was also believed that the various god-like spirits had to report on the past year to the
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ruler of heaven, the Jade Emperor. Many still open the celebrations by burning a paper image of
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Tsao Wang, the hearth god, thus sending him on his way one week before the new year; and
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WHEREAS, Usually on the day before the Lunar New Year's Eve, men pay ceremonial
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visits to friends and associates, wishing them luck. On the last day of the year, final preparations
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are made for the family's New Year's Eve feast, the highlight of the celebration. Before the meal,
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all doors are sealed with strips of paper to prevent the entrance of evil, and no one may enter or
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leave until these are removed shortly before dawn. After the meal, gifts are exchanged and, at
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midnight, solemn greetings and family ceremonies take place; and
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WHEREAS, Traditionally, the festivities last 16 days until the Lantern Festival, a time
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for parades of elaborate paper lanterns and street dances by dragons or lions. New Year is also a
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time for giving alms to the poor and for eating special lucky foods; and

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WHEREAS, Each lunar year is popularly known by one of the 12 animals of the Chinese
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Zodiac. These names provide a ready reference because each is used only once in 12 years. This
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year will be celebrated as "The Year of the Horse" and symbolizes freedom, power, beauty,
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energy, and independence; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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recognizes the celebration of the Lunar New Year--"The Year of the Horse." This House also
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wishes to extend its deepest respect and appreciation to the Rhode Island Asian community for all
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that it has contributed to the rich diversity of Rhode Island culture. The closeness of the
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traditional Asian family, its dynamic work ethic, and its innumerable endowments to literature
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and the performing arts inspire us all; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Association of Chinese
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Americans.
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