Welcoming the spirit of the Wood Snake in 2025

The Year of the Wood Snake whispers of great change and transformation. Just as snakes shed their skin, it is the perfect time to restart, let go of old (and bad) habits and face the year ahead with confidence and a new perspective. The Lunar Year starts on Jan. 29 and ends on Feb. 16 next year.

Snakes have long been an integral part of Chinese cultures. Prof. Cai Zongqi, director of the Advanced Institute for Global Chinese Studies of Lingnan University, has recently shared in an article that snakes have served as tribal totems or royal symbols and believed to be little dragons and ancestors of these mighty creatures in the past. As powerful symbols, snakes greatly influenced Chinese mythology, literature, and history, embodying essential qualities like wisdom, love, wealth, and happiness.

“In the Chinese culture, the qualities the snake symbolizes include wisdom, spirituality, health, vitality, good fortune, and auspiciousness. As we approach the Year of the Snake, we aspire to wisdom and the pursuit of a new life, and wish our families and friends deeper wisdom, greater success in their careers, and a coming year filled with new and exciting opportunities,” he said.

As in previous celebrations of the Lunar New Year, vibrant colors, symbols, and best snake-like practices are set to usher in the Year of the Wood Snake.

Traditional feast

A traditional feast or “reunion dinner” is a cherished tradition for many Chinese households. Celebrated on Lunar New Year’s Eve (Jan. 28), it brings people together in one table and strengthens bonds through shared culture and traditions. With tables brimming with flavorful and meaningful dishes, every home is filled with happy and full bellies by the end of the night.

On this special day, a classic dinner includes dishes such as dumplings, fish, noodles, rice cakes, sweet rice balls, and chicken or duck. In Chinese cultures, each dish holds deep significance, symbolizing good fortune for the upcoming year. For example, the stickiness and sweetness of rice cakes symbolizes family togetherness, dumplings for wealth, fish for abundance, and noodles for longevity.

Festivals

Another highlight of Lunar Year celebrations is the series of lively festivals to welcome the new year. Throughout this week, lion dance troupes fill the streets and malls, putting on lively performances. These performers wear giant lion costumes and imitate the movements of a lion through rhythmic dances.

Afterwards, people gather together to celebrate the Lantern Festivals, also known as Yuan Xiao Jie. On this day, spaces are filled with stunning lantern displays and light shows, creating a magical atmosphere in the air.

Historically, Lantern Festivals were about honoring the heavens, with people gathering in their yards, offering gifts to gods and lighting lanterns for deities. In the modern day, it has become a joyful event centered on fun traditions like lighting lanterns, playing lantern riddles, moon gazing, lion dances, and indulging in the festival’s food trademark—yuan xiao, delicious, moon-shaped glutinous rice dumpling with sweet fillings inside.

Temple visits

Many people also visit local temples during Lunar New Year celebrations. Often taking place during the third day of the New Year (Jan. 31), these visits are an opportunity for people to pray for blessings and fortunes for the upcoming year. They also give offerings, ask for divine help, and sometimes engage in fortune telling rituals. Visiting temples allows individuals to reconnect with their cultural heritage while welcoming a year full of prosperity and luck.

Bracing for the Year of the Snake your own way

The new year offers a perfect chance to hit the reset button by decluttering and clearing out the mess. A cluttered space is said to be draining one’s energy, making it necessary to ditch the unnecessary stuff, leave them behind in 2024, and start afresh.

When tidying up, it is advised to start little by little. For example, one can choose either a cabinet, a desk, or a bookshelf to organize. Setting small and manageable goals will prevent one from getting easily tired and overwhelmed easily.

One can also bring some flair to 2025 by incorporating the lucky colors of the year. Red, a staple of Chinese culture, remains especially powerful during the year due to its connections on earth elements like wood and fire. Red symbolizes the balance and harmony between these elements and represent luck, wealth, and business success. Pops of red can be added in one’s wardrobe, personal items, or home decors. The key is keeping it balanced and true to one’s personal style.

Green is also one of the most auspicious shades this year. In Chinese cultures, green represents the Wood Yin element, which fuels fire. When paired with brown (wood color), it can enhance one’s creativity and intelligence. This year, adding touches of green symbolizes an invitation to positive energy, luck, and fortune in the way.

Gold is also set to be another lucky color in 2025. Associated with elegance, prosperity, and wealth, gold tones, along with other shades of yellow, carry vibrant energy and meaningful symbolism. Incorporating gold accents into fashion styles through accessories or statement pieces can elevate one’s look while also attracting elevation of career prospects and financial success. A little touch of gold can go a long way, bringing positivity and abundance into the year ahead.

Snake charm or energy can also be channeled through one’s environment, beginning with paintings, statues, or pictures symbolizing snakes. For plant enthusiasts, consider adding sansevieria, also known as snake plants, into the collection. Sansevieria are flowering plants that feature snake-like leaves. They are not only visually appealing but also excellent for purifying air indoors. Additionally, they are believed to attract money, prosperity, and good energy.

The Year of the Snake also inspires health-conscious and wellness-oriented people to step into mindful yet relaxing practices like yoga by incorporating snake-inspired poses. A popular example is the Cobra pose, which mimics a snake that’s slowly lifting its head. Practicing the cobra pose is perfect for stretching and strengthening your body, as well as help with reducing back pain and stress. — Angela Kiara S. Brillantes