In celebration of the Year of the Horse 2026, HRST STONE will observe a holiday break from February 14th to February 23rd. The horse symbolizes strength, speed, and success in Chinese culture—values we strive to embody in every stone project. While our production pauses, our spirit of service remains. Please review our holiday schedule below to plan your orders effectively.
The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, is a time of profound transformation and joy. As we enter the Year of the Horse in 2026, we celebrate a zodiac sign known for its tireless energy and noble character. At HRST STONE, we see the horse as a perfect metaphor for our journey in the natural stone industry: constant movement toward perfection and the strength to carry heavy, beautiful loads—much like our premium quartzite slabs.
This festival is about more than just a break from work; it is a cultural reset. To ensure our global partners can plan their luxury developments without interruption, we have outlined our operational availability during this festive season. For more tips on managing your stone supply chain, check out our latest blog posts.
1. HRST STONE 2026 Spring Festival Holiday Schedule
Operational Availability and Resumption
Our team will be taking a well-deserved rest to reunite with families from February 14 to February 23, 2026. We will officially return to full operations on February 24. During this time, our factory’s waterjets and polishing machines will stand silent, but our dedication to your success remains.
Holiday Service & Logistics Timeline
| Activity | Status (Feb 14 – Feb 23) | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| New Inquiries | Open (Online) | Expect 24-48h response delay |
| Production & Fabrication | Paused | Slots resume Feb 24 |
| Container Loading | Suspended | Last ship date: Feb 10 |
| Sample Shipping | Limited | Express resumes Feb 25 |
2. The Rich Traditions and Symbolism of the Year of the Horse
The Spirit of “Long Ma Jing Shen”
In China, we often use the phrase “Long Ma Jing Shen” (the spirit of the dragon and horse). It represents a state of being full of vigor and vitality. For 2026, this spirit guides our factory’s commitment to delivering Patagonia Quartzite and other complex materials with unmatched energy and precision.
Traditional Customs and Their Meanings
- Nian Ye Fan (Reunion Dinner): The most important meal of the year. Families gather to share dishes that symbolize prosperity, such as fish (surplus) and dumplings (wealth).
- Red Envelopes (Hongbao): Giving red packets filled with money is a way to pass on blessings and good fortune to the younger generation.
- Setting Off Fireworks: Traditionally used to scare away the monster “Nian,” today they symbolize lighting up a bright future for the coming year.
- Spring Couplets: We paste red scrolls on our doors to welcome luck. For the Year of the Horse, many couplets will focus on “Ma Dao Cheng Gong”—achieving immediate success upon arrival.
3. Expert Insights: Maximizing Efficiency Post-Holiday
Factory Manager: “The post-holiday rush is real. We prioritize orders that were finalized in January. If you want your natural stone countertops delivered by April, the best time to lock in the material is now.”
Quality Inspector: “After the 10-day break, our first task is a full machine recalibration. We ensure our CNC and waterjet tools are in perfect condition before starting the first cut of the Horse year.”
While our team enjoys this sacred time of reunion, we are always thinking about your next masterpiece. If you have an urgent inquiry regarding a luxury project, please contact our team for project advice. We will do our best to assist you between festivities.
The Year of the Horse is about moving forward with courage. We encourage our clients to use this time to finalize their design visions. We look forward to galloping into 2026 with you, bringing the world’s finest stones to your doorstep. Happy Chinese New Year from the entire HRST STONE family!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the Year of the Horse represent in 2026?
The Horse represents energy, independence, and rapid success. In business, it is considered a year for taking bold actions and achieving goals quickly.
2. Can I still place an order during the February 14-23 break?
Yes, you can place orders via email. We will record them in our system, and production will be prioritized based on the date the deposit was received once we return on February 24th.
3. Are there shipping delays during the Spring Festival?
Yes. Most Chinese ports operate at limited capacity, and domestic trucking is significantly reduced. It is standard to expect a 2-week delay for any shipments near the holiday period.
4. How do you ensure stone quality isn’t rushed after the holiday?
We do not increase daily quotas to ‘catch up.’ Instead, we extend our working hours with our regular, highly-skilled staff to maintain our strict quality control standards.
5. Why is red the dominant color during this festival?
In Chinese tradition, red symbolizes fire, which is believed to drive away bad luck and evil spirits while bringing warmth and prosperity.
6. What is the most popular stone for “Year of the Horse” luxury interiors?
High-energy stones like Calacatta Viola marble, with its bold and dramatic veining, perfectly match the vibrant spirit of the Horse year.
