The curse of wearing black on Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is around the corner, and it is that time of the year when preparations are in full swing. This year Chinese New Year will be falling on 17th Feb 2026 and will continue till 3rd March 2026. While red is the prime color of the New Year, as it signifies celebrations and vibrance, there’s one color that is believed to be a taboo for this festival. Read on to know more about this color.

All about the colour?

Black is that one color that has been associated with negativity and black magic in many cultures. In fact, according to the ancient Chinese texts and scriptures, it is believed that wearing black on Chinese New Year is widely seen as a cultural taboo in Chinese traditions. This is because it symbolizes mourning, death, and misfortune, which makes it a strict no for the New Year as this celebration is meant for joy and renewal. This age-old belief stems from ancient color symbolism that is tied to funerals and negative energy.




Symbolism of black

As per ancient beliefs, black represents water in the Chinese Five Elements, which are linked to sorrow in Han customs. It is believed to be worn at funerals, so wearing it on Lunar New Year invites bad chi, potentially spoiling the year's luck.

Historical roots

The history of black traces back to the ancient Chinese culture, wherein wearing black on New Year is an ancient taboo that traces back to the imperial era, when black signified grief or authority in somber contexts. The Festival of Lunar New Year revolves around red, which signifies vitality, and avoiding dark hues to honor ancestors and welcome fortune.

Exceptions and tips

Black color is not completely restricted; one can still wear small black accents like buttons, which are fine if balanced with lucky colors. Focus on intent; positivity overrides minor slips, per evolving customs.
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