India, Feb. 17 -- With the close of the Year of the Snake, the world now steps into the dynamic Year of the Fire Horse. Falling on February 17, the Chinese New Year marks the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ushers in China's 15-day Spring Festival, ending on March 3.

Now the 'new' may fade with time, soon enough before the year just becomes another year. But beyond the red and gold memo that comes with the Lunar New Year, these are the forecasts (from fortune teller Tong Pik-ha) for each of the Chinese zodiacs, coupled with the lucky colours to embrace right up until the next cycle begins.

If you happen to be unaware of your Chinese zodiac, simply look for your birth year with the signs listed.

Lucky colour: Beige, sand, earth...