Harry Potter villain becomes a new-year mascot in China

As the Year of the Horse approaches, an unexpected and whimsical face has emerged across China’s Lunar New Year festivities: none other than Harry Potter’s infamous teen villain, Draco Malfoy. Known worldwide as the privileged, sly Slytherin student who rivaled Harry Potter at Hogwarts, Malfoy is now bringing a very different kind of magic—good fortune—to celebrants in China.

A Villain Turned Symbol of Luck

In a curious twist of cultural coincidence, Draco Malfoy’s name has taken on an auspicious meaning in Mandarin. In China, “Malfoy” is transliterated as “Ma Er Fu.” The first character, “Ma,” translates to “horse,” while the last character is associated with luck and fortune. With the Lunar New Year ushering in the Year of the Horse, the combination has created an amusing and festive connection: it’s as if Draco Malfoy himself is riding in on a horse to deliver good luck.

Videos on Chinese social media platforms, including Douyin (China’s version of TikTok), show families decorating their homes with traditional red posters inscribed with auspicious messages, known as fai chun or chunlian. These festive banners, typically wishing for wealth, health, and prosperity, now feature the unmistakable grin of the Hogwarts blond bully. One short Douyin clip went viral, showing a user carefully sticking a Malfoy-faced fai chun on their refrigerator. The video quickly garnered over 60,000 likes, with comments praising the humorous yet clever twist on a centuries-old tradition.

The Timing is Perfect

The Year of the Horse officially begins on February 17, replacing the Year of the Snake. Fans have noted the amusing symbolism: Malfoy, a proud Slytherin, is a natural match for the snake, but now he is galloping in with horses instead. The playful reimagining of the character as a symbol of luck shows the flexibility of pop culture in modern celebrations.

The Harry Potter franchise has long been popular in China. According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, nearly 10 million translated books had been sold in China even before the final installment was released in 2007. The 2020 remastered release of the first Harry Potter film further cemented the wizarding series’ enduring appeal, raking in $27.6 million at the Chinese box office, according to Xinhua News Agency. This cultural enthusiasm helps explain why even a minor twist like using Malfoy for Lunar New Year decorations can capture attention.

Tom Felton Reacts

Tom Felton, the British actor who portrayed Draco Malfoy in all eight Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011, acknowledged the unusual crossover. On Instagram, he shared a photo of a massive banner hanging in the atrium of a Chinese shopping mall, featuring Malfoy dressed in his iconic wizard robes. “From Hogwarts to Lunar New Year celebrations,” Felton captioned the post, highlighting the amusing global reach of his character.

This unlikely fusion of British pop culture and Chinese tradition has sparked creativity among fans and entrepreneurs alike. On Douyin, users have posted clips decorating their homes, while small business owners on platforms like Pinduoduo and Taobao have begun selling Malfoy-themed fai chun for the Lunar New Year. Some buyers even write playful notes alongside the posters, hoping young Master Malfoy will “bring fortune in 2026.”

Pop Culture Meets Tradition

The Draco Malfoy Lunar New Year trend illustrates a fascinating intersection between Western pop culture and traditional Chinese customs. While fai chun are deeply rooted in Chinese New Year rituals—intended to invite prosperity, happiness, and health—the addition of a Harry Potter character shows how global media can blend seamlessly with local traditions.

Cultural observers have noted that these playful mashups can serve a dual purpose. On one hand, they create humor and engagement on social media, attracting likes, shares, and viral attention. On the other, they provide commercial opportunities, from selling themed merchandise to hosting pop-up displays in shopping malls, which in turn boost foot traffic and retail sales during the holiday season.

Why Malfoy?

Draco Malfoy’s image is particularly suited for this festive twist. His sly grin, sharp features, and recognizable platinum blond hair make him instantly identifiable to fans of all ages. Unlike other Harry Potter characters, Malfoy’s persona embodies mischief, privilege, and charm—all qualities that translate well into playful New Year decorations. In addition, the linguistic coincidence of “Ma Er Fu” ties the character to horses and good fortune, creating a culturally resonant link for celebrants.

Fans have responded with delight and creativity. Some households have paired Malfoy banners with traditional lanterns, red envelopes, and other Lunar New Year staples, creating a quirky but aesthetically appealing festive display. Others have used the character in digital greetings and memes, sharing well wishes for the Year of the Horse online.

The Viral Effect

Social media has accelerated the trend, with Douyin videos showing families placing Malfoy decorations around their homes, shopping malls featuring life-sized cutouts, and online marketplaces offering custom-designed prints. The phenomenon underscores the evolving nature of Lunar New Year celebrations, where traditional practices blend effortlessly with modern pop culture to engage younger generations.

One Pinduoduo user wrote enthusiastically about their purchase: “The fu has arrived! Bring me some fortune in 2026, young master!” The comment highlights the humorous, interactive element that has captured the imagination of Chinese fans while promoting commerce and social engagement.

A New Tradition?

While it’s unclear whether Draco Malfoy will become a permanent fixture in Lunar New Year celebrations, this year’s pop culture mashup has already become a viral sensation. It shows that even characters associated with villainy can be recast in positive, auspicious roles, blending entertainment, language, and tradition in unexpected ways.

As the Year of the Horse approaches, Chinese fans are embracing this playful innovation. Whether you’re a Potterhead or a lover of Lunar New Year festivities, Malfoy’s grin is now a symbol of good fortune, reminding us that magic—and a little mischief—can be found in the most surprising places.