A woman has urged people to avoid wearing certain colours during Chinese New Year celebrations, warning that the year of the Fire Horse brings unique superstitions
Chinese New Year commences this Tuesday (17th February), and individuals have been cautioned against wearing a particular colour to mark the occasion. The 15-day celebration, also referred to as the Lunar New Year and the Spring Festival, is observed across various Asian cultures, including Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese communities, and signifies the beginning of a new year according to the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.
Numerous cities throughout the UK will be staging events to mark Chinese New Year over the coming fortnight, but one woman on social media has encouraged people to pay attention to some particularly significant guidance ahead of the festivities. Rachel, who hails from Canada and Hong Kong, suggested that people should steer clear of wearing one particular colour for the remainder of 2026 once Chinese New Year arrives, as it could represent misfortune.
In a TikTok video, Rachel clarified that whilst 2026 is the year of the horse, it’s more precisely the year of the fire horse. This indicates that fire, and consequently the colour red, is already “at its peak” this year – and donning red could push the balance too far in one direction.
Red is conventionally regarded as a fortunate colour in Chinese culture, and numerous Chinese New Year decorations are typically bright shades of red because it’s thought to ward off malevolent spirits. However, 2026 actually represents an unusual year where red isn’t considered fortunate.
Numerous elements of Chinese culture also emphasise balance, so if you introduce more fiery shades to a year already characterised by the fire horse, you risk going overboard and could potentially turn your year into a catastrophe.
Rachel explained: “I know everyone’s telling you that red is THE lucky colour, especially in Asian cultures, but you need to know that 2026 is the year of the fire horse. Fire is already at its peak, so if you wear red, it’s almost like you’re adding gasoline to the fire. It could lead to burnout, bad tempers, and arguments.”
To “stay lucky” in this unpredictable year, Rachel instead suggests wearing shades that counterbalance the fire. This means it’s the year for natural hues like dark greens or browns.
She continued: “To stay lucky this year, you will need to balance out the heat. For example, this year it’s actually recommended to wear earth or wood colours. Think earth tones like beige, cream, or brown, to ground the energy. Or you can do wood tones like sage or forest green to keep the fire stable.”
For optimal fortune in 2026, Rachel revealed there are even particular shades you can wear depending on your zodiac sign. But for those simply wanting to prevent a Chinese New Year catastrophe, steering clear of red is sufficient.
Additionally, black or white garments should be avoided at any festival gatherings you’re planning to attend. These shades are associated with mourning, and since Chinese New Year is a joyous occasion, these two colours must never be worn.
Viewers of Rachel’s video expressed uncertainty about the festival and the appropriate customs to observe. Nevertheless, many emphasised that avoiding black or white attire is more crucial than steering clear of red, so if red is your only option for local festivities, that will be acceptable.
One viewer commented: “If you wanna wear red, then wear it, who cares. Follow traditions. If people say its unlucky, then it is. I trust her because my local temple also says the same thing. To avoid wearing red.”
Another contributed: “Just don’t wear black or white, people. You’ll be fine. If you’re concerned, just wear something red. Like a scarf, a woven bracelet, or shoes.”
There are numerous other activities to avoid during Chinese New Year as well, including consuming porridge for breakfast or starting a laundry cycle in the washing machine. And on the initial day of festivities on Tuesday (17th February), hair washing should be avoided – so ensure you’ve bathed this evening!
The China Highlights website clarified: “Hair must not be washed on Chinese New Year’s Day, as it is seen as not a good thing to ‘wash one’s fortune away’ at the beginning of the New Year. Avoid cutting hair on this day, as it is believed that it might bring misfortune to uncles.”