Chinese New Year is around the corner, and it’s that time of year when preparations are in full swing. This year Chinese New Year will fall on 17 February 2026 and will last till 3 March 2026. While red is the predominant color of the New Year as it symbolizes celebration and enthusiasm, there is one color which is considered taboo for this festival. Read on to know more about this color.
All about color?Black is a color that has been associated with negativity and black magic in many cultures. In fact, according to ancient Chinese texts and scriptures, it is believed that wearing black on Chinese New Year is seen as a cultural taboo in Chinese traditions. This is because it symbolizes mourning, death and misfortune, making it a strict taboo for the New Year as this celebration is meant for joy and renewal. This age-old belief stems from ancient color symbolism associated with funerals and negative energy.
black color symbolismAccording to ancient beliefs, the color black represents water in the Chinese five elements, which is associated with sorrow in Han customs. It is believed to be worn at funerals, so wearing it on the Lunar New Year invites bad chi, which can potentially spoil the luck of the year.
historical rootsThe history of the color black dates back to ancient Chinese culture, in which wearing black on New Year’s Day was an ancient taboo dating back to the Imperial era, when black meant sadness or authority in somber contexts. The Lunar New Year festival revolves around the color red, which symbolizes vitality, and avoids darker colors to honor ancestors and welcome luck.Exceptions and TipsBlack color is not completely banned; One can still wear small black accents like buttons, which are fine when balanced with lucky colors. Focus on intention; As per the evolving customs, positivity overshadows minor lapses.
