Monday, February 16, 2026

Draco Malfoy is an unexpected Lunar New Year mascot in China

In the world of Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy has always been known as the infamous school bully, the pure-blood wizard with a nasty attitude. However, it seems like the wizarding world has a lot more in store for him. In a surprising turn of events, the once hated character has become an unexpected Lunar New Year mascot in China, thanks to the sudden popularity of his name in the Chinese language.

The Chinese translation of Draco Malfoy’s name has sparked a frenzy among Chinese fans, making him an unlikely symbol for the Lunar New Year celebrations. The name, which translates to “dragon, horse,” perfectly aligns with the Chinese zodiac sign of 2022, which is the year of the horse.

This unexpected turn of events has caused a lot of buzz on social media, with many Chinese fans expressing their excitement and admiration for the character. The hashtag #DracoMalfoy has been trending on Chinese social media platforms, with fans sharing their favorite moments and quotes from the Harry Potter series.

But why has Draco Malfoy suddenly gained so much popularity in China? Well, it all started with a Chinese fan who made a humorous post on Weibo, a popular microblogging website in China. The post read, “Draco Malfoy is the perfect combination of a dragon and a horse. He is the chosen one for the Year of the Horse.” The post quickly went viral, and since then, the Chinese translation of Draco Malfoy’s name has been the talk of the town.

The unexpected fame has also caught the attention of J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. She took to Twitter to express her amusement, saying, “I can’t even.” Her tweet was flooded with comments from Chinese fans, thanking her for creating such a relatable character.

It’s not just the name that has captured the hearts of Chinese fans; it’s also Draco Malfoy’s character development throughout the series. As the series progressed, we saw a more vulnerable side of Draco, which made him a more complex and likable character. Chinese fans have resonated with this character arc, as many of them have also faced societal pressures and expectations, just like Draco.

The sudden popularity of Draco Malfoy has also brought attention to the Chinese translation of other Harry Potter character names. Hermione Granger’s name translates to “bright one,” which is believed to be a reference to her intelligence and bravery. Meanwhile, Harry Potter’s name translates to “river crab,” which may seem like an odd choice, but it symbolizes his resilience and determination.

The influence of Harry Potter in China cannot be underestimated. The series has been a huge success in the country since its release in the early 2000s. The Chinese audience has always been drawn to the magical world created by J.K. Rowling, and the recent resurgence of interest in the series proves that the love for Harry Potter is still strong.

In a country where the Lunar New Year is a significant cultural event, it’s heartwarming to see a fictional character being embraced as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Draco Malfoy’s unexpected rise to fame in China is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Harry Potter series and its ability to transcend cultural barriers.

As we enter the Year of the Horse, let’s take a moment to appreciate the unexpected Lunar New Year mascot in China, Draco Malfoy. His popularity may have been unexpected, but it’s a reminder that even the most unlikely characters can capture our hearts and inspire us in unexpected ways. So, here’s to Draco Malfoy, the dragon-horse who has become a symbol of hope and excitement for the Chinese fans.

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