Celebrating Lunar New Year

Are you a lover or hater of snakes? If you are in the latter group, the news that the Lunar New Year welcomes the year of the snake may not be the most pleasing to you.

However, even if snakes are not your favourite animal, they carry plenty of positive symbolism. In Chinese culture, snakes are considered small dragons. The skin they shed is referred to as a ‘dragon’s coat […] symbolising good luck, rebirth and regality.’ Additional symbols associated with snakes include wealth, wisdom, and the pursuit of love and happiness. Master Chue Kay Tom also emphasises that the symbol of the snake strives to leave insecurities in the past, setting a hopeful tone for the Lunar New Year.

People born this year may be called ‘wood fire snake’.

Even if this optimistic symbolism does not make you more favourably disposed towards snakes, you may want to think twice before harming them lest you invite bad luck into your life. Master Chue Kay Tom says that whilst the snake is beautiful ‘and gives a first impression of a soft and quiet demeanour, … [the snake] has a very astute nature that is capable of swift action.’ So, if you want good fortune this year, be sure to respect the snake.

The Chinese Zodiac is a twelve-year cycle which associates every year with a different animal sign, including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. In addition to animal signs, there are twelve heavenly stems (this year represents wood) and twelve earthly branches (this year symbolises fire). People born this year may be called ‘wood fire snake’.

Lunar New Year is one of the biggest holidays in Chinese culture. It is fittingly considered a cleansing period: paintwork is refreshed on the main door, rooms are decluttered, and family members traditionally bathe in Feng Shui water. Celebrations also include the family dinner of the year. Lunar New Year’s Eve brings with it a variety of vibrant dishes, which can differ depending on where in China you are celebrating. Since fish is associated with wealth, many dining tables nationwide will include it. In northern China, people eat dumplings with a variety of fillings. In the south, Nian Gao, a type of rice and cane sugar cake, will grace their tables.

If you want some extra luck, wearing red, green, and gold will be especially fortunate in the year of the snake

It wouldn’t be a celebration without decorations. Homes and their immediate surroundings are decorated to welcome the Gods of wealth. Red lanterns are a common decoration, along with peaches, plums, and daffodils, as they are thought to bring good luck. Additionally, keep an eye out for the mascots: spotting the dragon, phoenix, unicorn, and dragon turtle is considered lucky on New Year’s Day. If you want some extra luck, wearing red, green, and gold will be especially fortunate in the year of the snake.

So, even if you are a hater of snakes, the symbolism of the snake and celebrations for the Lunar New Year set a promising tone for 2025.