Every Chinese household in Malaysia has that one relative who checks the almanac before anything important. Which way should the door face on New Year's morning? Which animals need to keep a low profile this year? Is it a good day to sign the S&P, move house, or get a haircut?
The Year of the Fire Goat, 丁未年, is three months away, so the questions are starting early. Here are the dates and traditions families will be asking about, drawn from the traditional Chinese almanac, the 通胜 (Tung Shing).
A note before we start: Chinese metaphysics is a cultural tradition. It is not financial, medical or legal advice, and it reads best as a guide to custom rather than a prediction.
The key dates for 2027
| 2027 | |
|---|---|
| Li Chun 立春 (the year begins) | 9:46am, Thursday 4 February (Malaysia time) |
| Chinese New Year | Saturday 6 February |
| The year | 丁未, the Fire Goat |
Most people treat Chinese New Year's Day as the start of the zodiac year. In the almanac tradition, though, the new year begins at Li Chun, the "start of spring", which falls on 4 February in 2027. That matters for anyone born in the first days of February, and for families who time their rituals to the turn of the year.
Where the God of Wealth comes from in 2027
On New Year's morning, many families open the main door and turn to welcome the God of Wealth (财神) from that year's direction, often with oranges, candles and joss sticks on a small table at the entrance.
In 2027, according to Xuan Lab's 2027 almanac, the God of Wealth arrives from the Southwest (西南).
Illustration: Xuan Lab
If your front door does not face that way, you are not out of luck. Families traditionally simply turn towards the direction as they step out or pray.
Tai Sui 2027: the four signs that should go gently
Each year has a Year Guardian, or Tai Sui (太岁). For 2027, the almanac names General Miao Bing (缪丙大将军).
People whose zodiac animal clashes with or offends the year's Tai Sui are traditionally advised to take things carefully. In 2027, that is:
- Goat (the year's own sign)
- Ox
- Dog
- Rat
The signs considered best supported in 2027 are the Tiger, Dragon and Monkey.
"Going gently" is less dramatic than it sounds. For families who follow the tradition, it usually means praying to Tai Sui at the temple early in the year, avoiding unnecessary risks, and choosing auspicious dates for big decisions. Plenty of people born in those years simply note it and carry on.
Lucky colours for the Fire Goat year
For 2027, the almanac lists purple, red and yellow as lucky colours.
That is useful information for the practical part of Chinese New Year: the new outfits. Red is never wrong, but if you want a change for the reunion dinner photos, purple and yellow are in season.
The almanac, now in plain English
For a lot of younger Malaysians, the hardest part of these traditions is that the almanac itself is written for people who already know it. The 通胜 is dense, technical and almost always in Chinese.
Xuan Lab has tried to close that gap. Its free 2027 Fire Goat almanac is a 102-page illustrated book in English and 简体中文, written for families in Malaysia and Singapore. It covers:
- Li Chun and the God of Wealth's direction, with how families traditionally welcome him.
- The lucky and tired corners of the home for 2027, and the remedies traditionally used for them.
- All twelve animals, month by month, not just the four that meet Tai Sui.
- Prayer days families keep through the year, such as the 初一 and 十五 vegetarian days and Guan Yin's birthday.
The first chapter is free to read on the 2027 Fire Goat almanac page, and the full book can be downloaded after a free sign-up. The same book sells for USD 59.99 in Xuan Lab's store.
Xuan Lab's app also turns the almanac into a daily page, showing which animal clashes that day, what is traditionally favoured or avoided, and upcoming prayer days. The company says charts are computed on the reader's own phone.
Getting ready for Chinese New Year
The almanac is only one part of the season. If you are planning ahead:
- The reunion dinner is on the eve, Friday 5 February 2027. Popular restaurants book out weeks before.
- Spring cleaning is traditionally done before the new year, not on the first days of it, so you do not sweep the luck out of the door.
- If you are new to the wider calendar, our beginner's guide to Bazi explains the Four Pillars that sit behind much of the almanac, and the Nine Emperor Gods festival is another date the almanac follows closely.
LepakLah and Xuan Lab are sister companies.
FAQ
When is Chinese New Year 2027?
Chinese New Year 2027 falls on Saturday 6 February. The Year of the Fire Goat begins at Li Chun, 9:46am on Thursday 4 February (Malaysia time).
Which direction does the God of Wealth come from in 2027?
According to Xuan Lab's 2027 almanac, the God of Wealth arrives from the Southwest on New Year's morning.
Which zodiac signs clash with Tai Sui in 2027?
The Goat, Ox, Dog and Rat meet the Year Guardian in 2027, while the Tiger, Dragon and Monkey are considered best supported.
What are the lucky colours for 2027?
Purple, red and yellow, according to the 2027 Fire Goat almanac.
Is the 2027 Chinese almanac free?
Xuan Lab's 2027 Fire Goat almanac is free. The first chapter can be read online, and the full book can be downloaded after a free sign-up.