As we bid farewell to the Year of the Dragon in the weeks leading up to January 29th, an air of caution fell over my house. We made sure that our hands were steady when holding porcelain or glass, and the words “death,” “illness,” and “loss” were carefully excluded from our vocabulary. Red and gold lanterns, paper cuttings, and spring couplets decorated our walls, while auspicious foods and red envelopes were laid out on the table.
A good precedent must be set.
Chinese people believe that their words and actions during the days leading up to Lunar New Year foreshadow both good and bad events for the year. Thus, these superstitions ensure that the upcoming year is filled with good fortune.
Amongst these superstitions is a deep reverence for the Chinese zodiac animal. In Chinatown, vendors lined the streets with vibrant displays of paper snakes, embroidered ornaments, and glossy figurines. On New Year’s Day, my family removed the fading dragon couplet from our front door. In its place, we pressed up a new one, its bold calligraphy framed by a coiling snake–it not only signified a change in the year, but also a change in our attitudes and directions.
What is the Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year—often called Chinese New Year or Spring Festival—marks the beginning of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and is one of the most significant celebrations across Asia. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the Earth’s orbit around the sun, the lunar calendar is based on the moon’s phases as it orbits the Earth. Each lunar month lasts about 29.5 days, and a lunar year is composed of 12 such months. As a result, the date of Lunar New Year shifts each year, typically falling between January 21st and February 20th.
With roots stretching back over 3,500 years, the holiday signals the end of winter and the arrival of a new beginning. It is celebrated across the Sinosphere—regions influenced by Chinese culture—including mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Vietnam, and Korea.
Each lunar year is represented by an animal derived from Chinese folklore. These animals follow an established order that repeats every 12 years: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
The Great Zodiac Race
Although there are many variations of this myth, the general consensus is that the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac were selected based on a race. Some storytellers claim the Jade Emperor called a race of animals on his birthday, while others suggest it was the Buddha.
Nevertheless, they felt that there should be a way to measure time and invited 13 animals to participate in the Great Race. The first twelve to finish the challenging course would have a Chinese Lunar Year in their name.
As the animals formed a line along the riverbank, two friends, the Rat and the Cat, worried about their inability to swim. Being clever, they asked the Ox if he would carry them across the river. The kind Ox agreed, and the Rat and the Cat watched excitedly as they took the lead. As the three animals reached the opposing river bank, the Rat pushed the unsuspecting Cat into the water and jumped onto the Ox’s head, leaping onto the bank. The conniving Rat had crossed the finish line first, and subsequently, the first lunar year is named “The Year of the Rat.” His victim, the Ox, had been manipulated into taking second place.
Behind the Ox, the Tiger thrashed against a flood of strong currents holding him back. As the exhausted tiger swam to the riverbank to claim third place, the Emperor commended his perseverance.
The Rabbit finished fourth. He had trouble hopping from stone to stone in the river, so he hopped onto a passing log and floated to shore. Little did he know, the Dragon had been gently blowing wind behind him, ensuring his travels were swift.
The Dragon was questioned as to why he had come in fifth place despite his ability to fly. He humbly admitted that he had been assisting a town suffering from a severe drought. As the emperor commended the Dragon’s selfless act, the Horse came into view. Just as he was about to take his final trot towards the shore, the Snake, who had been hiding coiled up in the Horse’s hoof, wriggled out and slid into sixth place. The Horse reared back in surprise and was left to settle with seventh place.
The next three animals had worked together to cross the river. The Rooster had found a raft, the Goat had eaten through weeds to clear a path to the river, and the Monkey had steered the raft across. Pleased with their collaborative effort, the Emperor entitled the eighth, ninth, and tenth years in their name.
In eleventh place was the Dog. Even though he was the best swimmer, the river’s fresh water had tempted him to take a long bath. As the emperor began to close the race, the Pig emerged from the waters in twelfth place. He had been hungry during the race, so he stopped, ate something, and fell asleep.
Ultimately, the Great Zodiac Race hints at many of the traits associated with these animals in Chinese culture–the “passionate” Tiger, “lazy” pig, and “friendly” goat.
What does the Snake symbolize?
In many cultures, snakes are seen as cunning or terrifying. A slick salesman is sometimes referred to as a snake oil salesman, and a conniving individual might be compared to a slithery snake. Moreover, in films and books, they take on villainous roles, such as Kaa in The Jungle Book, or Thor’s Loki adorned in snakeskin clothing. In the Biblical account of the Garden of Eden, it was a snake that tempted Eve to pick the apple off the tree. Snakes are so commonly despised that there is a phobia associated with the animals—ophidiophobia.
In Chinese culture, snakes hold a more complex symbolism.
The Chu Silk Manuscript is the earliest silk manuscript excavated in China, dating back to the first century BCE. It features a myth about the two deities, Fuxi and Nuwa, who formed the Earth, the Heavens, and humanity. They were spouses who gave birth to four sons–each of whom represented a different season. Ancient texts and illustrations represent Fuxi and Nuwa as creatures with human heads and snake bodies, associating the serpentines with fertility and nurturance.
Later, during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), Shi Huang Di condemned religion and worship of gods or mythical creatures. China experienced a cultural shift, where reverence for the Gods and their philosophy was replaced with respect for the ruler and their state. Although this practice of strict legalism was abolished in the Han Dynasty that followed, the emperor remained distinctly identified as the mediator between the Gods and the Earth.
Thus, during the Han Dynasty, the Snake became a symbol of imperial power. The five-clawed Dragon, a symbol of immense power and divinity, had evolved from the Snake. Throughout the progression of Chinese art, the primitive snake donned the horns of a stag, ears of a bull, eyes of a rabbit, claws of a tiger, and scales of a fish, evolving into what we now recognize as the Dragon.
In legends written during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420 CE), snakes possessed mystical powers and superstitious abilities. In the Record of Gleanings, a compilation of various treatises organized by Taoist scholar Wang Jia, it is recorded that a woman traveling down a river had a white snake slither into her boat. She had placed the snake in a box and pleaded for the snake to not harm her. The next day, the serpent had disappeared. When the woman consulted a diviner about the snake’s visit, she was told that the snake had blessed her, and her descendants would be noble figures. Indeed, her grandson later became the prime minister.
Today, snakes are still associated with harvest, procreation, spirituality, and good fortune. In many regions of China, people still believe that finding a snake in their courtyard is a sign of prosperity. Moreover, those born in the Year of the Snake may be seen as alluring, charming, and thoughtful. Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Shakira, Mahatma Gandhi, and Picasso are just a few of the celebrities born during a Snake year.
What is the Wood Snake?
While the Chinese zodiac is best known for its 12 animal signs, there’s another layer to the calendar: the Five Elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements cycle alongside the animals, creating a 60-year system that gives each year a unique elemental-animal pairing. For example, in 2025, it’s not just the Year of the Snake—it’s the Year of the Wood Snake.
This combination comes from a traditional system called the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. Think of it as an ancient pairing of ten “stems” (which include the elements) and twelve “branches” (which include the animals). Each year is assigned one of each.
In 2025, the Heavenly Stem is Yi (乙), representing Wood, and the Earthly Branch is Si (巳), linked to the Snake and associated with Fire. That makes 2025 the Year of Yisi (乙巳)—a fusion of Wood and Fire. Since Wood is said to fuel Fire in Chinese philosophy, this year is believed to carry strong, transformative energy ideal for growth, ambition, and reinvention. People born under the Wood Snake may reflect that complexity in their personalities, often balancing creativity with intensity.
What is the Snake Year etiquette?
Each Chinese zodiac year brings its own set of beliefs, and the Year of the Snake is no exception. From lucky colors to deeply rooted taboos, these customs shape how many families approach the year ahead. After all, respecting the do’s-and-don’ts of each year can help keep misfortune at bay.
Harming or killing snakes during the Year of the Snake is considered the most serious taboo. While honoring and respecting the snake’s spirit will result in good fortune and protection, disrespecting it may bring misfortunes to individuals and their households. In many ways, this belief reflects a larger theme within Chinese culture: harmony with nature and respect for all living things. The zodiac isn’t just a personality quiz or a horoscope. Rather, it is a reflection of how deeply interconnected humans are with the world around them.
Another lesser-known tradition associated with the Year of the Snake involves directional symbolism. According to the Shuowen Jiezi, a dictionary from the second century CE, the East is linked to the element of Wood. The character for “East” (東) combines the symbols for Wood (木) and Sun (日), symbolizing the sun rising through the trees. Because the Year of the Yisi Snake is closely connected to the element of Wood, it is believed to align especially well with Eastern energy. For those born in this year or looking to harness its auspiciousness, traveling or facing East is considered more favorable than heading West.
In Chinese culture, red is believed to ward off evil spirits and misfortunes. In the year of the YiSi Snake, it might just offer a little harmony, too. In the traditional Five Elements theory, excessive Wood energy without enough Fire can throw things out of balance, leading to stress, overextension, or instability. That’s where red comes in. Because red is associated with the Fire element, wearing it is believed to help restore equilibrium and prevent Wood energy from becoming overpowering.
The Year of the Snake means more than symbolic animals and lucky charms—it invites us to reflect on balance, transformation, and our connection to tradition. So whether you’re wearing red, facing East, or decorating with snake couplets, remember that in a fast-changing world, there is lasting value in slowing down and honoring the past.
Each Chinese zodiac year brings its own set of beliefs, and the Year of the Snake is no exception. From lucky colors to deeply rooted taboos, these customs shape how many families approach the year ahead. After all, respecting the do’s-and-don’ts of each year can help keep misfortune at bay.