Draco Malfoy Becomes Unlikely Lunar New Year Icon in China

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Draco Malfoy, the villainous character from the 'Harry Potter' book and film series, has become an unlikely icon for the Lunar New Year celebrations in China. This is due to a fortuitous bit of wordplay, as Malfoy's name was transliterated into Chinese as 'ma er fu,' which includes the characters for 'horse' and 'fortune.' This pairing makes him an auspicious symbol for the Year of the Horse, which began this week and is considered a time to usher in prosperity and good luck.

Why it matters

The 'Harry Potter' franchise has long been popular in China, the world's second-largest film market, even though the movies were released at a time when the country had far fewer theaters and box office heft. The embrace of Draco Malfoy as a Lunar New Year icon highlights the enduring appeal of the 'Potter' series in China and the power of creative wordplay to transform a villainous character into a symbol of good fortune.

The details

Online vendors in China have churned out cheap holiday merchandise plastered with images of Tom Felton, the actor who plays Draco Malfoy in the films. Even the Chinese government has joined the fun, with the state-run channel CCTV-6 screening 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Felton, who is currently starring as an adult Malfoy in the Broadway production of 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,' has embraced the trend, posting videos and photos of himself celebrating the holiday with Malfoy-themed decor.

• The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, began on February 19, 2026.
• The 'Harry Potter' films were first released in China during a period when going to the movies was becoming a more common experience.

What’s next

The 'Harry Potter' franchise continues to expand its presence in China, with Universal Studios Beijing having a 'Harry Potter' themed area and Warner Brothers announcing plans to open a 'Harry Potter' studio tour attraction at an amusement park in Shanghai in 2027.