Draco Malfoy Has Become an Unexpected Good Luck Symbol for the Chinese New Year Thanks to Punny Translation
- - Draco Malfoy Has Become an Unexpected Good Luck Symbol for the Chinese New Year Thanks to Punny Translation
Ashley VegaFebruary 7, 2026 at 4:25 AM
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Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter; Ukiyomich's TikTok
Peter Mountain;ukiyomich/TikTok
Draco Malfoy has gone viral in China as an unlikely Chinese New Year good-luck symbol
Fans are decorating homes with Malfoy-themed red New Year posters
The trend is tied to a linguistic pun involving his Chinese name and the word for “fortune”
Draco Malfoy’s reputation has officially entered its redemption era — and this time, it’s happening halfway around the world.
As the Chinese New Year 2026 approaches on Feb. 17, the Harry Potter character has emerged as an unlikely seasonal mascot across parts of China.
On social media platforms, users have been sharing photos of red, square-shaped New Year decorations featuring Draco’s unmistakable blond hair and smirk — displayed proudly on front doors, refrigerators and walls.
The decorations mirror traditional Chinese New Year imagery, which often features bold red backgrounds and symbols meant to invite luck and prosperity into the home. In this case, however, the familiar motifs are paired with the face of the former Slytherin troublemaker from the wizarding franchise.
One TikToker, @ukiyomich, filled her home in Draco Malfoy/Chinese New Year decorations alongside more traditional ornaments.
So how did Draco Malfoy become a symbol of good fortune?
According to a report by Rolling Stone Philippines, the answer lies in language. Draco Malfoy’s Chinese name is written as “马尔福” (mǎ ěr fú). The final character, “福” (fú), translates to “fortune” or “blessing” — a word deeply associated with Chinese New Year traditions.
Even more fitting, the first character, “马” (mǎ), means “horse.” Together, the characters echo the phrase “马来福” (mǎ lái fú), a common New Year expression welcoming prosperity — particularly relevant as celebrations approach the Year of the Horse.
In other words, Malfoy’s name unintentionally sounds like a ready-made good-luck phrase.
Fans have leaned into the wordplay with enthusiasm, adding handwritten notes to their Draco posters wishing for wealth, success and happiness in the year ahead. Some have even followed another traditional custom by hanging the decorations upside down — a visual pun meant to suggest that good fortune is “arriving” or “pouring in.”
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The trend has drawn amused reactions online, especially from longtime Harry Potter fans who remember Draco primarily as a sneering school rival. But for many participants, the appeal isn’t about the character’s personality — it’s about the playful blend of pop culture, superstition and linguistic coincidence.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
