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Draco Malfoy Becomes China’s Unlikely Year of the Horse New Year Mascot

A Mandarin wordplay linking his name to 'horse' with 'fortune' has turned the Harry Potter rival into a timely symbol of luck.

Overview

  • Videos on Douyin and Xiaohongshu show Malfoy-themed red posters used like fai chun on doors, walls and refrigerators.
  • Some households display the image upside down, mirroring the tradition of inverting the fu character to welcome good fortune.
  • Merchants on Taobao and Pinduoduo are selling stickers, magnets and posters, with four-piece sets on Taobao listed at about 11 yuan.
  • Actor Tom Felton acknowledged the craze on Instagram by sharing a photo of a giant mall banner, boosting global attention.
  • The trend builds on Harry Potter’s enduring popularity in China as the Feb. 17 Lunar New Year approaches, with widespread social posts and fast-moving merchandise offerings.