Today, January 29, 2025, marks the beginning of the Year of the Wood Snake. The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is currently being celebrated over 16 days, culminating today, Wednesday, January 29, with the grand Lantern Festival.
This festive occasion holds immense significance across Asia and among Asian communities worldwide, engaging over 20% of the global population.
The Zodiac Transition
The Lunar New Year marks the transition between zodiac signs. While 2024 was the Year of the Wood Dragon, 2025 ushers in the Year of the Wood Snake. Looking ahead, the Year of the Fire Horse will begin on February 17, 2026.
Unlike most calendars, the Chinese lunisolar calendar does not count years in an infinite sequence. Instead, years follow a 60-year cycle, combining the 12 zodiac animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig) with the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water). This system has been in use for nearly 2,000 years, with the current 60-year cycle beginning on February 2, 1984.
The (Wood) Snake
The Year of the Wood Snake is anticipated to bring growth and transformation, blending the wisdom and intuition of the Snake with the stability and creativity of the Wood element.
People born in the Year of the Snake are often associated with intelligence, elegance, and strategic thinking. The influence of the Wood element suggests a year focused on adaptability, long-term planning, and innovation.
The Myth of the Snake in the Zodiac
A captivating legend explains the Snake’s ranking in the Chinese zodiac. When the Jade Emperor organized a great race to determine the order of the animals, the Snake cleverly hitched a ride on the Horse’s hoof. Just before reaching the finish line, it slithered out unexpectedly, startling the Horse and securing sixth place in the zodiac cycle.
The Year Ahead
In Chinese astrology, the Year of the Wood Snake is expected to emphasize strategy, transformation, and wisdom. It is a time when careful planning, patience, and adaptability will pave the way for long-term success.
Lunar New Year Celebrations
Lunar New Year traditions vary across different cultures, but common themes include family reunions, symbolic rituals, and vibrant festivities:
🎎 Family Gatherings – On New Year's Day, many visit senior members of their extended family to pay respects and receive blessings.
🦁 Lion Dances – Performances featuring lion dance troupes help usher in the new year and drive away evil spirits.
🎆 Fireworks & Firecrackers – A spectacular display of fireworks symbolizes the expulsion of bad luck and the welcoming of prosperity.
🎁 Gift Giving – In places like Hong Kong, married family members give red envelopes (hóngbāo, 红包) filled with cash to children and unmarried relatives as a gesture of good fortune.
In ancient China, this was the only day when young women were allowed to venture out to admire the lantern displays and meet potential suitors.
The Lantern Festival, marking the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations, also signals the departure of winter and the arrival of spring. Traditionally, people light lanterns to dispel darkness and welcome hope for the year ahead.