USPS Gallops into Lunar New Year with Vibrant Horse Stamp

HOUSTON, TX – February 03, 2026 – The U.S. Postal Service today celebrated the upcoming Lunar New Year by unveiling a new Forever stamp dedicated to the Year of the Horse. During a vibrant ceremony at the Chinese Community Center in Houston, officials presented the colorful stamp, which honors a cultural tradition celebrated by millions of Americans and people worldwide. The Year of the Horse officially begins on February 17, 2026, and ends on February 5, 2027.

Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner, who served as the dedicating official, spoke to the significance of the release, especially as the Postal Service marks a major milestone. "The Postal Service is one of the nation's oldest public institutions and for 250 years it has carried out a simple yet powerful mission, to connect the American people via the U.S. Mail," Steiner said. "This Lunar New Year stamp dedication shows our continued storied tradition of using stamps to spotlight the diverse events, ideals, and people that make our nation great."

He added, "As you use them, we hope that the 'Year of the Horse' brings each of you good health, great joy and boundless prosperity." The event featured local dignitaries including Gary Poon, CEO of the Chinese Community Center, and Kenneth Li, board chair of Houston's Southwest Management District, with a performance by opera artist Lian Chen Walker.

A Legacy of Celebration: Three Decades of Lunar New Year Stamps

The Year of the Horse stamp is not a standalone gesture but the latest entry in a long and storied tradition for the Postal Service. It marks the seventh release in the third Lunar New Year series, which began in 2020 with the Year of the Rat. This commitment to celebrating the zodiac cycle has evolved significantly since its inception.

The first series, which ran from 1992 to 2004, was a groundbreaking effort to provide representation for Asian American communities. Designed by Hawaiian artist Clarence Lee, those stamps featured intricate paper-cut designs and Kanji calligraphy, creating a classic, two-dimensional aesthetic that became immensely popular with both the public and philatelists.

Following that success, a second series, “Celebrating Lunar New Year,” was issued from 2008 to 2019. This collection took a different artistic approach. Illustrator Kam Mak focused on the objects and rituals of the holiday—such as red lanterns, firecrackers, and cumquats—to evoke the festive atmosphere, while still including a small zodiac animal illustration by the late Clarence Lee as a nod to the original series.

This current, third series represents another artistic evolution. The Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee sought a more contemporary and modern feel, a vision brought to life by USPS art director Antonio Alcalá and artist Camille Chew. This series will continue annually until 2031, completing the full 12-animal zodiac cycle.

The Art of the Horse: A Contemporary Vision

The centerpiece of the new stamp is a stunning, three-dimensional mask of a horse, a departure from the flatter designs of past series. Created by Providence-based illustrator Camille Chew, the design is a contemporary take on the long tradition of paper-cut folk art and is inspired by the elaborate masks used in lion and dragon dances common during Lunar New Year parades.

Chew’s artistic process is a meticulous blend of craft and fine art. She constructed the horse mask from hand-printed paper, which she then cut, scored, and folded into its final shape. The mask was further embellished with acrylic paint and decorative paper elements like flowers and tassels before being reinforced with a layer of papier-mâché. The final, vibrant piece was then photographed against a clean white background for the stamp.

USPS art director Antonio Alcalá, who has guided the creative direction for this series, has championed its modern aesthetic. "I love the current series!" Alcalá said. "Whenever I speak about the stamp program to students or other professional designers, this Lunar New Year series always gets positive feedback." He noted that the public's reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, sharing an anecdote as proof of its deep connection with people: "One woman even got a tattoo of the Year of the Rat artwork on her leg — truly a 'Forever' stamp!"

Alcalá emphasized that the goal was to create something fresh while still honoring the tradition. "Overall," he stated, "the positive responses to the more contemporary look are numerous and encouraging."

Galloping into the New Year: Symbolism and Significance

In the Chinese zodiac, the horse is a revered symbol of speed, strength, and endurance. People born in the Year of the Horse are said to embody these traits, characterized as energetic, free-spirited, confident, and hardworking. These attributes resonate deeply during the Lunar New Year, a time when many set goals for success, stability, and good fortune.

The Year of the Horse holds a particular appeal in the United States, where its associations with independence and freedom align closely with the national ethos. The holiday provides an opportunity for Asian Americans and non-Asians alike to embrace a spirit of renewed energy and drive, making it a popular time to tackle new challenges and pursue ambitious goals.

The release of the stamp is a recognition of this shared cultural significance, turning a piece of postage into a small carrier of hope and aspiration for the year ahead.

Connecting a Nation, One Stamp at a Time

This stamp's release is particularly poignant as the U.S. Postal Service celebrates its 250th year of service. As an independent federal establishment mandated to be self-financing, the USPS relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations. Cultural stamps like the Lunar New Year series are more than just commemorative; they are a vital part of the institution's business model and its strategy for remaining relevant in a digital world.

By issuing 20 million Year of the Horse stamps, the Postal Service ensures that this celebration of cultural heritage can reach millions of households and businesses. The stamp is being issued in panes of 20, and as a Forever stamp, it will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price, guaranteeing its utility for years to come. This initiative is a clear example of how the USPS continues to fulfill its mission to connect every American community, weaving the unique threads of the nation's diverse cultural tapestry together through the mail.