Chinese New Year, also referred to as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is a significant celebration marking the start of the Chinese lunisolar calendar.
The origins of Chinese New Year are believed to trace back to ancient China around 3,500 years ago, making it a cornerstone of Chinese culture.
It signifies the end of winter and the dawn of a new year. The festival typically falls between 21 January and 20 February, with this year’s celebrations beginning on Wednesday, January 29th.
Cultural traditions tied to the event include chucheng (a thorough house cleaning to banish dust and bad luck), adorning your home with lucky red items such as lanterns, papercuts and spring couplets (chunlian), exchanging red envelopes known as hongbao, and enjoying meals with family.
This year, it’s the year of the snake, but what does that symbolise? And what can those born in the year of the snake expect this year?
What the snake symbolises in Chinese culture
In Chinese culture, the snake carries contrasting metaphors and meanings. On one hand, the snake is linked to the yin, associated with darkness, dampness and femininity. Poisonous snakes are often connected with wicked women who seduce men and drain their yang to nourish their yin.
Snakes aren’t just creatures to be wary of though, as they embody remarkable symbolism in Chinese culture. Regarded as miniature dragons or ‘xiaolong’, their shed skin, known as the ‘dragon’s coat’ (‘longyi’), signifies good fortune, rejuvenation, and even royalty.
Snakes are emblematic of the pursuit of love and joy, personified in the legendary folk tale ‘The Legend of the White Snake’. Furthermore, snakes denote prosperity and sagacity, often revered alongside the turtle and crane as emblems of extensive lifespan.
What does the future hold for individuals born in the year of the snake?
TikTok star @serenityartnhome posted her insights for those born in the year of the snake – which are 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, and 2001. Addressing her followers, she predicted: “If you were born in th year of the snake, 2025 will bring its shares of ups and downs due to the influence of ‘Tai Sui’. Luckily, helpful individuals will come to your aid, turning challenges into opportunities.”
She continued, stating that pivotal moments are expected around September and January, urging preparation while advocating a restrained approach throughout the year.
On an uplifting note, she mentioned that those with the snake zodiac should anticipate a “promising” professional horizon in 2025, ripe with chances to “show influence and decisiveness”, notably for those holding leadership positions.
She acknowledged however the “added pressure and challenges” that come with taking on more responsibility, adding: “Even with strong momentum, remember to stay calm and think twice before making decisions.”
On the financial front, the influencer predicts snakes can “expect steady primary income gains in 2025”, though also warns of “potential financial fluctuations” due to the float and sink star. Her advice is to focus on financial stability and steer clear of high-risk investments.
In the realm of relationships, she suggests snakes “may face conflict or misunderstanding,” adding for singles that 2025 might not be prime timing for initiating new romances. “Take things slow, and choose carefully”, she recommended.
For those already paired up, she advises to be “mindful not to let work stress or emotional strain affect their bond”.
For health, snakes must exercise particular caution this year, with an “unlucky blood blade star” looming, increasing risks of mishaps and unforeseen health troubles.
The influencer’s overall strategy for snakes is centered on “informed decisions and flexible solutions”. She advised: “Snakes, stay cautious, be flexible and prepare for opportunities.
“You have everything it takes to make this year a transformative year.”