Gliding into 2025: Embracing the Year of the Snake

We have almost slithered into another Lunar New Year, one of the most important celebrations for many Asian cultures. This year, 29 January 2025 marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake.

But how did the snake earn its place in the Chinese zodiac? And what does it represent?

Legend has it that the jade emperor had a race to determine the 12 zodiac animals and their order.

During the ‘great race’, the snake hitched a ride on the horse’s hoof to cross the river.  Just as the horse was about to finish the race, the snake slipped ahead, securing its spot as the sixth zodiac animal.

This tale highlights the snake’s intelligence and resourcefulness, traits that inspire personal and communal growth in the Year of the Snake.

The snake’s role in mythology

In Chinese culture, the snake is a creature of wisdom, mystery and transformation. Its association with keen observation and strategic thinking makes it a revered symbol in Chinese mythology.

Associate Professor Fengyuan Ji from the ANU School of Culture, History and Language says there are a number of layers to the snake’s symbolism.

“The snake is, firstly, a symbol of auspice and honour in China, with particular relevance to the Earth and good harvest,” Ji says.

“In ancient Chinese mythology, the snake also has close relations with gods, therefore the ruler’s high status and authority, often seen on emperors’ seals. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘small dragon’.”

That’s not the only positive representation of the slippery animal. One of China’s great legends centres around a snake.

“The Legend of the White Snake is a popular ancient Chinese story about loyal love and has been performed in many operas, films, dances, New Year paintings and shadow plays,” Ji adds.

On top of that, there are many proverbs and idioms related to the snake in Chinese language. Yan Yan Wang, a lecturer in modern Chinese at the ANU School of Culture, History and Language says 画蛇添足 (huà shé tiān zú), which literally means, ‘to draw a snake and add legs’, is one of the most famous. 

“It is believed this idiom originated from an ancient Chinese story about a man who tried to improve a drawing of a snake by adding some legs, but this only ruined the artwork,” Wang says.

“The moral of the story? Don’t overdo something or make unnecessary additions that can lead to negative consequences!”

In fact, the the snake’s positive associations go right to the basics of Chinese language.

“The Chinese character for snake, ‘蛇’ (shé), is a combination of movement and sharpness – just like the way language evolves, always weaving new meanings from old roots,” Wang says.

“What is also interesting is that in the Chinese language, ‘蛇’ (shé) is not just a snake – it is a symbol of how language, with its twists and turns, can be both simple and complex at once.”

How the world honours the snake

Lunar New Year traditions are as diverse as the communities that celebrate them. While snake dances and firecrackers are staples in China, other Asia-Pacific nations have their own unique customs.

In Korea, Seollal is celebrated with rituals like bowing to elders and sharing traditional dishes such as tteokguk (rice cake soup), symbolising a year of good fortune.

In Vietnam, Lunar New Year is known as Tết and is celebrated with bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes) and ancestral offerings.

The Year of the Snake sees cultural festivals alongside Chinese diaspora worldwide in cities like Sydney, Singapore and San Francisco.

Communities in Singapore and Malaysia celebrate with colourful lanterns, lion dances and street festivals. In fact, the “Chingay” parade is a grand procession that features elaborately costumed people and cultural performances. What makes this event unique is its multicultural focus.

In Taiwan, the God of Wealth is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune in the new year. People gather to carry colourful statues or effigies of this god around town, dancing and singing to invite him to bless their homes and businesses with wealth in the coming year.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, it is a fun custom to throw coins around the house. This is believed to bring good fortune and wealth in the year ahead!

Despite the differences in customs, the common thread across these celebrations is the emphasis on family, renewal, and wishes for prosperity and happiness in the year ahead. These vibrant celebrations blend traditional customs with modern interpretations, ensuring cultural continuity and global appreciation.

A year of adaptability and renewal

Much like the snake sheds its skin, 2025 marks a year when individuals and communities can let go of old patterns and embrace innovation.

The Year of the Snake serves as a call for thoughtful action and strategic change. It is a time to cultivate wisdom, both ancient and new, to navigate life’s complexities with grace.

“蛇年大吉 (She Nian da ji),” Wang says.

Good luck in the Year of Snake!