Draco Malfoy becomes a Lunar New Year symbol in China's Year of the Horse
Draco Malfoy, the iconic Harry Potter character, has become an unexpected part of Lunar New Year celebrations in China. The villain-turned-fan-favourite is now appearing on traditional spring festival decorations, blending Western fantasy with Chinese cultural traditions. Actor Tom Felton, who portrayed Malfoy, even shared a photo of the character featured in a Henan shopping mall's electronic displays.
The trend began with Malfoy's name in Mandarin—'Ma Er Fu'—which translates to 'Horse Brings Good Fortune'. This meaning aligns perfectly with the upcoming Year of the Horse, starting February 17, 2026. Chinese social media users have embraced the connection, decorating homes with Malfoy-themed fai chun (spring couplets) and chunlian posters, usually reserved for luck and prosperity.
E-commerce platforms are now selling these Malfoy-inspired decorations, while one Xiaohongshu user gifted colleagues red posters featuring the character. The Harry Potter series has long been popular in China, with nearly 10 million translated books sold by 2007. Its influence grew further after the 2020 re-release of the first film, which earned $27.6 million at the Chinese box office.
By 2026, the franchise has expanded into a multimedia phenomenon, fueled by Universal Beijing Resort's 2021 opening and widespread merchandise sales. The series' appeal stems from its young readership, China's rising middle class, and the booming fantasy genre. Despite past piracy challenges, state-supported entertainment markets and platforms like Taobao have helped turn Harry Potter into a cultural staple.
Malfoy's Lunar New Year presence highlights how global pop culture can merge with local traditions. The character's name and imagery now carry symbolic meaning for many Chinese fans. With the Year of the Horse approaching, his association with good fortune is likely to keep the trend alive.
