Between Eastern myth and the clash of symbols… the fire horse unleashes an untamed energy
The Year of the Fire Horse 2026
Year of the Fire Horse 2026
Issued Romfilatelia As part of its traditional series of Chinese zodiac signs, it issued the «Zodiacul chinezesc – Anul Calului de Foc» to celebrate the beginning of the new lunar year, which started on 17-02-2026 and continues until 20-02-2027. The issue consists of one stamp worth 25 Lei, in addition to a first-day envelope and maximum cards for specialized collectors.
The overall concept is based on the combination of the Horse and the Fire element, a combination that occurs only once every 60 years, with the last Fire Horse year being 1966. This cyclical dimension gives the release a profound temporal symbolic value within the traditions of the Chinese calendar.
Design analysis
Designer George Ursachi employed a dynamic visual treatment dominated by a fiery red gradient with gold, a direct reference to the element of fire and energy. The number 2026 was cleverly incorporated into the horse's mane, creating an interplay between the number and movement without disrupting the composition.
The miniature adds a narrative dimension; its top depicts galloping horses, while the envelope on the first day shows an imaginary struggle between a horse and a dragon. This symbolic use reflects a cultural duality: the dragon in Chinese mythology is a blessed being, while in European tradition it represents evil, as in the story of Saint George. This contrast gives the edition a multi-layered cultural interpretation.
Technical details
Nominal value: 25 Lei
Number of stamps: 1
Stamp dimensions: 42 x 52 mm
Dimensions of the miniature: 110 x 170 mm
Printing: Offset (four colors)
Paper: Tullis Russell – 112 g/m²
Total quantity: 8,460 stamps
3,900 within sheets of 20 stamps + divider
4,560 miniatures from 4 stamps with an ornate frame
Day 1 envelopes: 231 numbered and stamped copies
Maximum number of cards: 220 pieces
Listing number: 2552
Note for stamp collectors
The miniature with the decorative border is the most sought-after collectible, especially given its limited availability compared to mass-market editions. Furthermore, the numbered first-day cover enhances the medium-term documentary value of the issue.
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