Jackie Chan is a household name worldwide. Known for his death-defying stunts, unmatched martial arts skills, and career spanning over five decades, Chan is a symbol of resilience, discipline, and success. But behind his fearless on-screen persona lies a lesser-known, quirky superstition—Jackie Chan red underwear tradition
Yes, you read that right.
Jackie Chan, the kung fu master who has smashed box office records and bones alike, is a firm believer in the traditional Chinese practice of wearing red underwear for protection and prosperity. He’s known to take this ritual so seriously that he reportedly never skips it, especially during risky shoots or major life events.
So why red underwear? What’s the cultural and personal significance behind this tradition? Let’s uncover the story of how this colorful superstition became part of Jackie Chan’s legendary life.
The Superstition: Red Underwear for Luck and Protection
1. The Tradition Rooted in Chinese Culture
In Chinese culture, the color red is associated with luck, happiness, vitality, and warding off evil. It is believed to have the power to protect against misfortune and bring prosperity.
When Red Underwear Is Worn
During the Chinese New Year
On important birthdays
In one’s Ben Ming Nian (the year of their Chinese zodiac animal, which recurs every 12 years)
For good luck in business or high-stakes situations
Jackie Chan has embraced this custom, especially when he’s working on major film projects or facing physically dangerous stunts.
2. Jackie Chan’s Ben Ming Nian Superstition
A particularly important time to wear red underwear is during one’s Ben Ming Nian—a zodiac birth year that is considered a time of heightened risk and instability.
Born in 1954, Jackie Chan’s zodiac sign is the Horse. According to Chinese astrology, his Ben Ming Nian occurs every 12 years (e.g., 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026). During these years, it is believed that one’s personal energy clashes with Tai Sui, the Grand Duke Jupiter, bringing potential bad luck.
Chan takes this tradition to heart and ensures he wears red—especially red underwear—throughout his zodiac year to ward off misfortune.
Why Red Underwear Specifically?
1. It’s the Closest to the Body
Underwear is in direct contact with your body, and in traditional beliefs, this proximity allows the protective power of red to surround you intimately. This makes red underwear more potent than other red garments.
2. It’s Discreet Yet Effective
Wearing red clothing outwardly might not always be appropriate on set or in daily life. But red underwear provides a private yet powerful way to follow tradition without broadcasting it.
3. It’s Gifting That Counts
According to Chinese belief, red underwear is most effective when given as a gift—especially by family or close friends. It’s unclear whether Jackie’s red underwear is self-purchased or gifted, but either way, the intention remains rooted in auspicious tradition.
Jackie Chan’s Stunts and Superstition: A Link to Survival?
1. Performing Dangerous Stunts
Jackie Chan is famous for performing his own stunts—many of which are so dangerous they’d make most people flinch. From jumping between skyscrapers to sliding down tall buildings, he has suffered dozens of injuries during his career, including:
A broken skull
Dislocated shoulders
Cracked ribs
A permanently damaged spine
With such risks involved, it’s no wonder Chan turns to every form of mental and spiritual protection available—including wearing red underwear.
2. Superstition as a Mental Armor
In high-risk professions, rituals and superstitions are often used as psychological armor. For Jackie, slipping into a pair of red underwear could be part of his mental preparation—a symbolic act to ward off fear and boost confidence before taking on dangerous stunts.
Other Superstitions Jackie Chan Follows
While the red underwear story is the most eye-catching, Jackie Chan follows other lesser-known habits:
1. Respecting Feng Shui
Chan is reportedly a believer in feng shui, the Chinese practice of harmonizing energy through spatial arrangement. He has applied feng shui principles in the design of his homes and film studios.
2. Lucky Numbers and Colors
Like many in Chinese culture, Jackie is said to favor lucky numbers like 8, which symbolizes wealth. He often avoids inauspicious numbers like 4, which sounds similar to the word “death” in Chinese.
3. Avoiding Unlucky Days
Chan also chooses auspicious dates for film releases and business decisions, often consulting Chinese almanacs or traditional advisors to ensure he makes decisions on “lucky” days.
Superstition in Chinese Celebrity Culture
Jackie Chan is not alone—superstitions run deep in the Chinese entertainment world.
Other Celebrities Who Embrace Superstition:
Andy Lau wears jade for protection.
Fan Bingbing frequently consults feng shui experts.
Jay Chou reportedly refuses to film or perform on inauspicious dates.
In a culture where symbolism and tradition are revered, celebrities often integrate these beliefs into their lives to stay grounded, protected, and successful.
The Power of Belief: Superstition as Performance Psychology
1. Similar to Athletes’ Rituals
Jackie’s red underwear tradition mirrors the superstitions of elite athletes—like:
Serena Williams’ lucky socks
Michael Jordan’s college shorts
David Beckham’s symmetry obsession
These rituals are not about logic—they are about mental priming, focus, and tapping into belief systems that provide a psychological edge.
2. The Placebo Effect in Action
If Jackie believes red underwear brings him luck, it might just do so—thanks to the placebo effect. The belief itself boosts confidence, which can translate into better performance and decision-making.
Pop Culture Impact: From Quirky Habit to Iconic Symbol
The story of Jackie’s red underwear has captured public imagination for years. Fans and media outlets have reported it as one of the quirkiest celebrity superstitions, often with humor and fascination.
It’s even inspired:
Fan merchandise with “Lucky Like Jackie” slogans
Meme culture referencing red underwear in stunt sequences
Chinese New Year campaigns encouraging the practice among fans
What started as a private tradition has become part of Jackie Chan’s brand identity.
Does It Really Work? Jackie’s Track Record Says Something
Whether you’re a believer or not, one thing’s for sure—Jackie Chan’s formula for success works.
Over 200 films
Numerous awards and honors (including an honorary Oscar)
International box office hits
A net worth exceeding $400 million
Even if the red underwear didn’t directly cause this, it’s clearly done no harm. It’s a reminder that faith in ritual can be a quiet yet powerful force behind greatness.
Conclusion: A Colorful Superstition That Reflects Deep Belief
Jackie Chan’s red underwear superstition may raise eyebrows, but it represents more than just a quirky habit—it’s a deeply rooted cultural practice, a form of mental preparation, and a way of honoring tradition in the modern world.
In a life filled with danger, discipline, and determination, Jackie’s belief in red underwear is a simple yet symbolic act—proof that even the toughest action heroes need a little luck sometimes.
