This week marks the beginning of a new phase in the Chinese calendar as Lunar New Year kicks off, running until March 3. It is a significant event in Chinese culture, with 2026 being the Year of the Fire Horse symbolizing intensity, confidence, decisive action, and spontaneity. The colors you opt to wear can impact your luck for the upcoming year based on your zodiac sign.
Philippa Brooks, a fashion buyer at Chums, has revealed the luckiest colors to wear during Chinese New Year, their symbolism, and which hues best complement each zodiac sign.
The color red is traditionally associated with good fortune, protection from negative energies, and joy. It is believed to ward off misfortune and evil spirits, being vibrant, attention-grabbing, and often linked to passion and vitality.
Gold symbolizes wealth, success, and abundance, along with connections to nobility and authority. It is commonly paired with red to signify prosperity, with golden accessories, jewelry, and embellishments being popular choices to attract good fortune.
Oranges are commonly exchanged as gifts during Chinese New Year festivities, symbolizing prosperity and luck due to the resemblance of the Mandarin pronunciation to ‘good luck’ and the Cantonese pronunciation to ‘gold.’
Green represents fresh beginnings, growth, and health, symbolizing nature, serenity, and rejuvenation. It is an excellent choice for setting goals and attracting luck for personal and professional advancement, especially at the start of a new lunar cycle.
Purple signifies dignity, prosperity, and spiritual awareness, offering a contemporary alternative to the traditional fortune associated with red, particularly in southern China.
Blue, while less traditional than red or gold, symbolizes peace, renewal, and vitality, suggesting optimism for the upcoming year.
Pink is a favorable choice for inviting luck in relationships and romance in the new year, embodying love and happiness.
These colors hold special significance for various zodiac signs, offering insights into attracting luck and positivity for the year ahead.
