Bad for Tying the Knot?

While Superstition Holds That People Should Wed in “Double Spring Year's” and Avoid Tying the Knot in Widow Year's, Past Statistics Suggest Otherwise.

Tips for a Lucky Marriage

Despite an Increasing Number of Young People Tying the Knot Regardless of Traditional Beliefs, a Number of Customs Perceived as Lucky Persist.

What Is a Widow Year, Why Do Chinese Believe It Is a Bad Time to Marry, and How to Break the Curse

Q: What Is a Widow Year?

Pronounced Gua Fu Nian in Chinese, the Term Refers to a Lunar Year Without Spring Commences, or the First Day of Spring, the First of the 24 Solar Terms Known as Li Chun.

By Marcus Vance

• Oct 8, 2026 • 3 min read

What Is a Widow Year, Why Do Chinese Believe It Is a Bad Time to Marry, and How to Break the Curse

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

The Fast-Approaching Year of the Dragon Is Also Infamously Known as a “Widow Year” and There Is Much Chatter on Mainland Social Media About the Year Ahead Being an Unlucky One in Which to Get Married.

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.

Tags: explainer what widow year why do chinese believe it bad time marry and how break curse