The 29th of January 2025 will be the start of a new lunar new year; the year of the wood snake. The energetic and dynamic year of the dragon will bring the snake’s wise and intuitive energy. The snake is a symbol of wisdom and transformation, which offers opportunities for personal growth and change in your life.
This festival will be celebrated by millions around the world. Celebrations may very across different cultures and countries. In China, it will be the start of a 16-day spring festival. Festivities are including red decorations around the houses, preparing delicious meals, gift giving, family gatherings and cleaning the house. The lion dance, the dragon dance and temple visits are also part of the festivities.
Nian
Part of the tradition is the lighting of firecrackers, originating from the legend of the monster of Nian. This beast with sharp teeth and horns, lived deep in the sea. Every lunar new year’s eve, Nian would come ashore to destroy villages. Villagers discovered Nian was afraid of loud noises and the color red. By hanging red decorations on the houses and using firecrackers, Nian was driven back to the sea. It represents the victory over evil and a fresh start of a new year.
Lunar new year marks the start of a new zodiac cycle, which is based on the Chinese lunar calendar. It is a lunisolar calender, which is based both of the moon’s phases and the earth’s orbit around the sun. It consists of a 60-year cycle. The sequence of animals in the Chinese zodiac is: rat, ox, tiger, hare or rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
Transformation
Snakes are known for their intuition, wisdom, creativity and mystery. They are excellent problem solvers and skilled communicators. Snakes are associated with good luck, prosperity and longevity. Because snakes have the ability to shred their skin, they are also a symbol of transformation and rebirth.
Happy new year!
Sources:
– Chinese New Year
– Royal Museums Greenwich
Jane Regina Sauer 