Lunar New Year: The Year of the Snake

Friday, 24 January 2025

The Lunar New Year is a 15-day celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. 2025 is the Year of the Snake and celebrations begin on Wednesday 29 January.

Lunar New Year is celebrated in many East Asian and Southeast Asian countries including China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia and Thailand. While the official dates encompassing the holiday vary by culture, it is a time for families to come together for cultural traditions, prepare for the good fortune to come, and, of course, enjoy great food.

Why do we say Lunar New Year instead of Chinese New Year?

Referring to the holidays as Lunar New Year is preferred because it is more inclusive of other Asian New Year celebrations. Different countries have their own name for the new year –  in China, it is called Chūn jié; in Vietnam, it is known as Tết; in Korea, it is Seollal; and in Tibet, it is referred to as Losar.

Lunar New Year foods and traditions

Different cultures celebrate the Lunar New Year with various foods and traditions symbolising prosperity, abundance and togetherness. Some households are deep cleaned to remove any ominous spirits that may have been collected during the old year, and cleaning allows space for goodwill and good luck. Some hold rituals to offer food and paper icons to ancestors while others hang red paper and banners with calligraphy messages of good health and fortune inside and outside homes. The colour red is a symbol of good luck and people will often wear red clothes. Parents give their children red envelopes filled with money during the holiday as well. Foods made from rice are commonly eaten, like rice cakes, noodles and dumplings as these foods represent togetherness.

Interesting facts about the Year of the Snake

• Those born in the Year of the Snake are said to be mysterious, curious, charming and deeply intuitive. In Chinese culture, the snake is a symbol of wisdom, elegance and mystery.
• Some famous people born in the Year of the Snake include John F Kennedy, Taylor Swift, Bob Dylan, Oprah Winfrey, Stephen Hawking, Tony Blair and Muhammad Ali.
• The next occurrence of the Snake zodiac sign will be 2037, marking a twelve-year cycle in the Chinese zodiac.
• In Chinese culture and philosophy, there are Five Elements that govern the natural world. These are Fire, Wood, Metal, Water and Earth.  These elements also affect the characteristic traits of the zodiac animals. The upcoming year’s snake sign is attributed to wood. Wood Snakes are said to be precise, cool-headed, creative and have logical thinking.
• The Snake is also called ‘Little Dragon’ as it shares the appearance and mysteries of the Dragon. It is believed that the mythical figure of the Dragon originated from the Snake.
• In Feng Shui, the Snake is associated with wealth, abundance, and prosperity. Snake figurines or images are often placed in homes or offices to attract good fortune. Making important decisions during the Snake hour (9:00am to 11:00am) is believed to bring clarity and success.
• The best suited professions for those born in the Year of the Snake include artists, politicians, teachers, painters, psychologists, public relations officers, TV presenters, scientists, magicians, dieticians, sociologists, and social media influencers.

 

Happy Lunar New Year from all of us at G.E.T Educational Tours!