1000 Lights for Luck, Good Health & Prosperity for the Chinese New Year of the Horse

1000 Lights for Luck, Good Health & Prosperity for the Chinese New Year of the Horse

Lighting 1000 lamps during the Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse (2026) is a traditional, symbolic act designed to invite luck, prosperity, and good health while warding off evil spirits. The 2026 Fire Horse symbolizes high energy, passion, and speed, making this lighting ritual crucial for attracting positive energy and rapid success in the year ahead.

• Symbolism: The "1000 Lights" refers to the illumination of homes, temples, and public spaces to ensure a bright, prosperous year. This year again Shandon Studios invite members of the public to come and light a candle for themselves and loved ones and listen to the chanting by Hanmi Esoteric monks and nuns as they perform a traditional Buddhist Dharma Ritual.  
• The Fire Horse Element: As 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse (a rare 60-year cycle), the lights are believed to balance the intense, "fast-paced" energy of the year with positive, steady fortune.
• Candles have been used for centuries in sacred ceremonies. Buddhist monks light them while meditating in temples. Jews celebrate with them for Hanukkah. Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas with the light of the fire. In many cultures and religions, lighting candles is a symbol of faith, miracle, enlightenment, peace, concentration, life-giving power, and joy. There will be two time slots available to visit this event 6 pm to 7 pm and 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm
• Come light a candle, listen to some music and chanting, make a wish for the Year of the Horse 
• www.corkchinesenewyear.com
• This event is free however if you wish to make a donation please do, otherwise just put a "0 "in the space where it says " suggested donation"

• Read more about this annual ceremony
• irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41340842.html?   
•  esoterichanmi.com/chinese-new-year-2025/

Lord Mayor Cllr Dan Boyle and Rev Meghan Farr lighting candles at last years event