Auspicious age for first-footing in the year of the Fire Horse 2026

First-footing is a ritual to welcome the first person to visit a home after midnight on New Year's Eve, signifying a lucky start to the new year.

This is not just a New Year's ritual, but also a symbol of faith and hope, helping people find peace and optimism in every new beginning.

The year 2026 (Bính Ngọ) belongs to Period 9 (Lower Cycle), governed by the Nine Star (Cửu Tử). This is the second year in the three-year cycle of the "fire element" (Ất Tỵ, Bính Ngọ, Đinh Mùi), all belonging to the South.

Although it falls under the Fire element, the element of 2026 is Celestial River Water. This combination creates a "Water-Fire mutual support" relationship: using the coolness of water to temper the fiery nature of fire, while simultaneously using the heat to warm the water. In ancient philosophy, this is an expression of "benevolence," creating balance for all things.

According to Feng Shui principles such as Xuan Kong and Shen Sha, the auspicious directions for travel in 2026 are Southeast, due North , and due East .

Those born in the years with good fortune, meaning those whose zodiac signs are blessed by auspicious stars during the year, are: Rabbit, Dragon, Goat, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

Among the ages mentioned above, the appropriate age to match the homeowner's age depends on the "harmonious combinations" of the three zodiac signs.

The three-element combinations include: Monkey – Rat – Dragon ; Tiger – Horse – Dog ; Snake – Rooster – Ox ; and Pig – Rabbit – Goat (also known as the Five Elements combination). For example, a homeowner born in the year of the Rat can choose someone born in the year of the Dragon (belonging to the same three-element combination) to be the first person to enter their house on New Year's Day.

It is also possible to invite someone from a compatible (or six-harmony) age group to be the first visitor. These compatible groups include: Tiger – Pig; Rat – Ox; Rabbit – Dog; Dragon – Rooster; Snake – Monkey; and Horse – Goat.

These pairings are also known as Yin-Yang compatibility. Accordingly, a homeowner born in the year of the Tiger can choose to invite someone born in the year of the Pig to be the first visitor of the year, and vice versa...

The reason for choosing someone with good fortune and compatible zodiac sign with the homeowner to be the first visitor to their house stems from the universal principle of "like attracts like." Harmony between yin and yang and the five elements is auspicious; incompatibility can create negative energy and bring misfortune.

Illustration photo: Istock

Decoding folk taboos

Many people often wonder whether women or people in mourning should be the first to enter a house on New Year's Day. From an expert's perspective, this needs to be understood correctly:

Should women be the first people to enter a house on New Year's Day?

The notion that women shouldn't be the first person to enter a house on New Year's Day is an outdated prejudice. In reality, women can absolutely take on this role if they have good fortune and their birth year is compatible with the homeowner.

Previously, taboos mainly related to hygiene during menstruation due to limited medical facilities. Nowadays, as long as the first person to enter the house on New Year's Day is in a cheerful and healthy mood, gender is not a barrier.

Is someone experiencing sadness or a bereavement?

Families who have recently experienced a tragedy or bereavement often consciously refrain from being the first person to enter their house on New Year's Day. This isn't a matter of theological "bad luck," but rather primarily a psychological and tactful aspect.

Tet is a joyous occasion, and those with sadness in their hearts often find it difficult to offer cheerful greetings, so they usually choose to stay home to maintain politeness towards their neighbors.

Cultural and feng shui researcher Pham Dinh Hai

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/tuoi-dep-xong-dat-nam-binh-ngo-2026-post306005.html