Chinese New Year will start on Tuesday, February 17th, and individuals are advised against wearing a particular color to show respect for the occasion. The 15-day celebration, known as the Lunar New Year and the Spring Festival, is observed in various Asian cultures, including Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese, signifying the beginning of a new year according to the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.
Numerous cities throughout the UK will host events to commemorate Chinese New Year over the next fortnight. However, a woman named Rachel, originating from Canada and Hong Kong, has emphasized the importance of avoiding a specific color for the entirety of 2026 once Chinese New Year commences, as it may symbolize ill fortune.
Rachel shared a video on TikTok explaining that 2026 is not only the year of the horse but specifically the year of the fire horse. This indicates that fire, and hence the color red, is already highly influential this year – wearing red could exacerbate the situation.
While red is conventionally considered an auspicious color in Chinese culture, and red decorations are prevalent during Chinese New Year due to the belief that it wards off evil spirits, 2026 is an exception. The year represents a rare instance where red is not considered lucky. Chinese cultural beliefs also stress the importance of balance, cautioning against intensifying the fiery energies associated with the year of the fire horse by overindulging in red hues, potentially leading to adverse outcomes.
To ensure good fortune in this unconventional year, Rachel suggests opting for colors that counterbalance the fiery energy. This involves favoring earthy tones like dark greens or browns to stabilize the fire element.
For those seeking maximum luck in 2026, Rachel recommends specific colors based on zodiac signs. However, to avoid potential mishaps during Chinese New Year celebrations, it suffices to steer clear of red attire. Additionally, black or white clothing should be avoided as they are considered mourning colors, unsuitable for a festive occasion.
Commenters on Rachel’s video expressed confusion regarding the festival’s customs. While some emphasized the importance of avoiding black or white clothing over red, others reassured that wearing something red to local celebrations should not pose a problem.
In addition to color considerations, there are other customs to observe during Chinese New Year. These include refraining from consuming porridge for breakfast, avoiding doing laundry, and notably, not washing hair on the first day of celebrations to avoid washing away one’s fortune at the start of the new year.
According to the China Highlights website, washing hair on Chinese New Year’s Day is discouraged as it is believed to wash away one’s luck. Trimming hair on this day is also cautioned against, as it may bring misfortune.
Overall, adhering to these customs and color recommendations can help individuals navigate the unique energies of the year of the fire horse during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations.