Avoid This Color on Chinese New Year to Dodge Bad Luck in 2026

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year and the Spring Festival, begins on February 17, 2026. As the celebrations approach, individuals are being advised to avoid wearing a specific colour to ensure good fortune throughout the year. This festive period, lasting 15 days, is celebrated by various Asian cultures, including Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese communities, marking the start of a new year according to the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.

Rachel, a social media influencer from Canada and Hong Kong, has gained attention for her guidance on dressing for the upcoming celebrations. In her TikTok video, she warns against wearing red, a colour typically associated with luck in Chinese culture. This year, however, presents a unique situation as it is designated as the year of the fire horse, a detail that could alter traditional beliefs.

Understanding the Significance of Colours

Rachel explains that while red is traditionally seen as a lucky colour, the year of the fire horse indicates that the element of fire is already “at its peak.” She elaborates that donning red could exacerbate this fiery energy, potentially leading to negative consequences such as burnout, arguments, and overall misfortune.

“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,” Rachel states in her video. To maintain a sense of balance, she recommends opting for earth tones like dark greens, browns, and other natural hues.

To navigate the potential pitfalls of the year, Rachel suggests wearing colours that counterbalance the fire element. Shades such as beige, cream, and forest green can help ground the energy. “To stay lucky this year, you will need to balance out the heat. Think earth tones to stabilize the fire,” she advises.

Customs and Considerations for 2026

In addition to avoiding red, Rachel cautions against wearing black or white during festive gatherings, as these colours are associated with mourning. Since Chinese New Year is a time for celebration, it is essential to adhere to this cultural sensitivity. Many viewers of Rachel’s video expressed mixed feelings about the advice, with some emphasizing the importance of avoiding black and white over red.

“Just don’t wear black or white, people. You’ll be fine. If you’re concerned, just wear something red, like a scarf or shoes,” one viewer commented. This sentiment highlights the flexibility some individuals feel regarding traditional customs.

Beyond colour choices, there are several other practices to avoid during the festivities. For instance, eating porridge for breakfast, starting a laundry cycle, or washing hair on the first day of the New Year are all considered to bring bad luck, as they can figuratively “wash away” fortune. According to the China Highlights website, “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.”

As communities around the world prepare for the upcoming celebrations, it is clear that paying attention to cultural customs and beliefs can significantly impact one’s experience. By considering colour choices and traditional practices, individuals can hope to usher in a year filled with prosperity and balance.