This week, billions of people around the world will come together to celebrate the New Lunar Year, (Chinese New Year.)
The Chinese Zodiac is a calendar that follows a 12-year cycle in accordance with the lunar new year.
“Shengziao” as it is known in China is deeply interwoven with Chinese history, tradition, culture and belief systems. 12 different animals represent each year in the cycle, with each creature said to represent different qualities and symbolism. The late 19th Century Japanese Clock shown below shows the 12 animals of the Zodiac. (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.)
2025 is the Year of the Snake. One of the most intriguing animals in the Zodiac calendar, the Snake follows the Year of the Dragon and comes before the Year of the Horse.
Here are some of the traits associated with the Snake in Chinese mythology:
Transformation: The Snake’s ability to shed its skin is a representation of new beginnings and fresh starts.
Intelligence: Those lucky enough to be born in the Year of the Snake are said to be perceptive, quick-witted and highly intellectual.
Adaptability: The ability of the snake to use its muscles and scales to move in many different ways (side-winding, concertina, serpentine and more) is a sign of great flexibility and agility.
Resilience: The Snake is known to be incredibly strong and has the ability to withstand and overcome challenges.
In addition to the 12 animals that make up the Chinese Zodiac, the calendar also assigns one of the five elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth to each year, meaning that the overall Zodiac cycle takes 60 years to complete. With that, we are now entering the Year of the Wood Snake.
Wood is a symbol of new beginnings, development and expansion so this year of the Wood Snake is seen as a time of personal transformation and growth.
Those born this year (and those celebrating their 60th and indeed 120th birthday this year) are expected to be resourceful, perceptive and driven by a desire to create stability and structure. The wood element also imparts a sense of flexibility and a nurturing quality bringing with it balance, intelligence and emotional growth.
Interestingly in ancient Chinese mythology, the Snake doesn’t just hold solely positive symbolism. It belongs to the Yin and can therefore be associated with darkness and toxicity. Poisonous snakes were associated with evil women who would seduce vulnerable men and suck their Yang in order to nourish their Yin. Happy New Year!
The Snake in Japanese Culture and History
In Japanese culture, the snake is often associated with protection, good fortune, and agricultural fertility. Snakes are considered Guardian Spirits, with many shrines and rituals dedicated to Serpent Deities.
In Shintoism, Snakes are often linked to Water Deities and are considered protectors of the land and the harvest. The belief is that the Snake’s presence can ward off evil spirits and ensure bountiful crops.
Many shrines throughout Japan are dedicated to these Serpent Spirits, with white snakes, often seen as especially auspicious – revered for their purity and supernatural power. In this sense, the snake in Japan represents a divine intermediary, bridging the human world with the Gods.
Across both Chinese and Japanese culture and history, the Snake is often viewed in the context of the cyclical nature of time. Just as the Snake sheds its skin and is reborn, the Year of the Snake is seen as an opportunity for personal renewal – a time for shedding old habits and behaviours and embracing the new.
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We would once again like to take this opportunity to wish all our customers, partners, friends and followers a very Happy Lunar New Year and we wish you Happiness, Health and Good Fortune for the year ahead.