Chinese New Year 2025: What is the Year of the Snake and what does it mean?

An annual celebration is coming up this week which marks a fresh beginning for millions worldwide.

Chinese New Year is celebrated on Wednesday, January 29 – ushering in 2025 as the Year of the Snake.

The holiday has roots stretching back some 3,500 years to ancient China, signifying the end of winter and the arrival of a new year.

This year’s festivities fall between January 28 and February 4.

In line with tradition, homes will be thoroughly cleaned to banish bad luck and decorated and red lanterns will adorn doorways to invite good fortune. Families gather from far and wide to share meals and exchange gifts, often wearing new clothes in the colour red to symbolise prosperity and happiness.

What does the Snake represent?

The Snake in Chinese astrology is particularly known for its association with intelligence, intuition, and critical thinking, with people born in that year thought to possess a natural elegance and charm.

Other years of the snake were in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 and 2025.

Each year is also linked to one of five elements, with this year to mark the Year of the Wood Snake. This serpent is especially charming and creative but it can also carry a secretive dark side, adding to its complexity.

How does the Chinese zodiac work?

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, heralds the start of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar or the Gregorian calendar.

The Chinese zodiac is designed to track the orbital plane around the sun over a 12 year period, symbolised by 12 different animal signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

Each animal is believed to possess unique qualities that help shape the personalities of people born in its year.

Each year is also linked to one of five natural elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water. This element changes every two years, with the influence of the element influencing the traits and energy of the year.

The Chinese zodiac also uses a more personalised astrological system, where each individual’s zodiac sign is determined not only by their birth year but also by the exact date, time and location of their birth. This reveals their sun, moon, and rising signs, which is believed to offer a more nuanced understanding of their personality and future.

What can people expect in the Year of the Snake?

The Year of the Snake encourages people to be mindful and plan ahead, drawing on the animal’s natural ability to assess situations with precision and care.

People born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be great problem-solvers and leaders due to their intellect and calculating nature. Though reserved and cunning, they are known for their emotional intelligence.

Symbolised by the snake shedding its skin, this year is thought to offer opportunity for growth and success for those willing to overcome obstacles with careful planning and a desire to transform.