Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, will commence on February 17, 2026, heralding the start of the Fire Horse year. This annual celebration is marked by various customs and traditions, including many superstitions believed to affect one's fortune in the coming year. As the date approaches, it is important for individuals observing this holiday to be mindful of certain practices they should avoid to prevent misfortune on the first day of the New Year.

The article highlights six specific activities that are considered unlucky to engage in on February 17. These include avoiding particular colors in clothing and refraining from consuming certain foods that are thought to bring bad luck. For example, even something as innocuous as a morning bowl of porridge is noted to be associated with negative connotations. These beliefs are deeply ingrained in the cultural practices associated with the Chinese New Year, illustrating the importance of tradition and superstition within this festive context.

As the New Year ushers in a 15-day Spring Festival, the article emphasizes the significance of these prohibitions not just for the day itself but for the duration of the festival period, which extends from new moon to full moon. These practices reflect the broader cultural values surrounding family, luck, and renewal during one of the most important celebrations in many Asian cultures, resonating beyond just Chinese communities to those who partake in Lunar New Year festivities around the world.