Lunar New Year 2027: the year of the Fire Goat

The Chinese calendar is lunisolar: each month begins at a new Moon, and the new year usually starts at the second new Moon after the winter solstice, counted in China's time zone. That is why the date moves every year, always between January 21 and February 20.

In 2027 that new Moon falls on February 6, just minutes before midnight in Beijing. It also produces an annular solar eclipse, visible along a narrow path across southern South America, the South Atlantic and West Africa.

The Goat (also translated as Sheep or Ram) is the eighth of the twelve animals. In Chinese astrology it is the sign of gentleness, imagination and care: Goat people are described as artistic, empathetic and more resilient than they look, happiest with beauty, calm and people they trust.

Recent Goat years were 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979 and 1967. Your animal comes from the lunar year of your birth, not the calendar year: if you were born in January or early February, check the date of that year's new year before claiming your animal.

Each animal also carries one of five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water), and each element lasts two years, so the full cycle takes sixty. 2026 and 2027 are both Fire years: the Fire Horse, then the Fire Goat. The last Fire Goat year was 1967.

Fire brings warmth, drive and visibility. Paired with the gentle Goat, it is usually read as a year for creative work, generous gestures and community, with a reminder to look after your energy and not burn out caring for everyone else.

Celebrations last fifteen days and end with the Lantern Festival, on February 20, 2027. Common customs include: