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As millions of people across China prepare to welcome the Lunar New Year, an unexpected figure has emerged as this year’s unofficial mascot: Draco Malfoy, the sneering, platinum-haired antagonist from the beloved Harry Potter series. The character, who spent years tormenting the boy wizard in J.K. Rowling’s books and films, is now appearing on festive decorations, social media posts, and even shopping mall displays throughout the country.
The phenomenon might seem puzzling at first glance. Why would a fictional villain become associated with good fortune and celebration? The answer lies in the fascinating intersection of language, pop culture, and traditional Chinese customs—a combination that has captured the imagination of Harry Potter fans and casual observers alike.
The Power of a Name
The reason for Malfoy’s sudden popularity is rooted in how his name sounds when translated into Mandarin Chinese. His name is transliterated as “Ma Er Fu,” and according to The Times, the word “Ma” means “horse” (马), while “Fu” means good fortune (福). When read together, the name sounds like horses bringing luck, making the character feel especially appropriate for the Year of the Horse.
This linguistic coincidence has transformed a character once known for his cruelty and prejudice into an unlikely symbol of prosperity and good wishes. It’s a reminder of how meaning can shift dramatically across cultures and languages, turning even the most villainous fictional character into something entirely different.
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The Year of the Horse begins on February 17, marking the end of the Year of the Snake. This transition carries an added layer of symbolism for Harry Potter fans, as the snake is the symbol of Slytherin, the Hogwarts house Draco Malfoy belongs to. The timing feels almost poetic—Malfoy emerging from his serpentine house affiliation to become the face of the horse year.
Videos shared on Chinese social media show people decorating their homes with red posters known as fai chun or chunlian, which traditionally feature well-wishing phrases for the new year. These decorations are an essential part of Lunar New Year celebrations, typically displaying auspicious messages in beautiful calligraphy. This year, however, some of those posters also include images of Draco Malfoy, blending traditional Lunar New Year symbolism with a recognizable pop culture figure.
The trend has spread to public spaces as well. In central Henan province, a shopping mall displayed an electronic banner featuring Chinese Spring Festival couplets with Malfoy at the center. The fusion of ancient tradition with modern fandom demonstrates how cultural celebrations continue to evolve while maintaining their essential meaning.
Social Media Spreads the Magic
The Malfoy phenomenon has taken off across multiple social media platforms in China. On Xiaohongshu, a popular lifestyle and social media app, one user shared that she gave her colleagues red square papers featuring Malfoy to wish them good luck. The gesture combines workplace camaraderie with both traditional customs and shared pop culture appreciation.
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The trend has also gained traction on Chinese social media app Douyin, where a short video showing someone placing a Malfoy-themed fai chun on a refrigerator received more than 60,000 likes. One commenter responded to the video by writing, “You’re genius.” The comment captures the playful spirit of the trend—participants recognize the humor while genuinely embracing the good luck wishes.
Some sellers have begun offering Draco Malfoy Lunar New Year posters on Chinese e-commerce platforms, responding to the sudden demand. Customer reactions suggest a mix of humor and belief in good fortune, with one writing, “The fu has arrived,” and another adding, “Bring me some fortune in 2026, young master.” The affectionate term “young master” references Malfoy’s wealthy, aristocratic background in the Harry Potter series.
Draco Malfoy Responds
Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films from 2001 onward, acknowledged the trend by sharing an image on Instagram of a large banner featuring the character hanging inside a Chinese shopping mall. “Magical awakening that attracts abundant wealth,” said the Mandarin characters on the banner.
Felton’s acknowledgment of the trend has only added to its momentum, creating a bridge between the fictional character and the real-world celebration. For fans, seeing the actor embrace this unexpected cultural moment adds another layer of enjoyment to the phenomenon.
Harry Potter’s Enduring Popularity in China
The Malfoy trend reflects the broader, long-standing popularity of the Harry Potter franchise in China. The wizarding world has maintained a dedicated following in the country for over two decades. Nearly 10 million translated copies of the books were sold before the final installment was released in 2007, demonstrating early enthusiasm for Rowling’s magical universe.
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Since the launch of Chinese versions of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series in 2000, approximately 200 million copies of the books have been sold in China, according to CGTN. That staggering figure places China among the most significant markets for the franchise worldwide.
The films have also performed exceptionally well. In 2020, a re-mastered release of the first Harry Potter movie earned $27.6 million at the Chinese box office, per Variety. The strong performance of a re-release—nearly two decades after the film’s original debut—speaks to the enduring affection Chinese audiences have for the series.
The Future of Harry Potter in China
The franchise’s presence in China is set to expand significantly in the coming years. Last year, Reuters reported Warner Brothers Discovery announced that it was going to build a Harry Potter studio tour in Shanghai, larger than the franchise’s existing studio tours in London and Tokyo.
Calling the experience the “first tour of its kind in China,” the project, which will span 53,000 square meters, is expected to open in 2027. The ambitious undertaking reflects confidence in the continued appeal of the Harry Potter brand in the Chinese market.
