As the Lunar New Year approaches, millions around the world are preparing to celebrate this festive time. This year, the Chinese zodiac animal is the Snake symbolizing polar opposite ideas of evil and good luck. Those born with the Snake zodiac are recommended to wear red as a way to ward off bad luck. While the year may bring its challenges, these are often seen as opportunities for people born with this Zodiac to gain wisdom and grow as the year goes by.
Lunar new year consists of various traditions and practices along with its rich history. Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the most popular holiday in China and other parts of Asia. The celebration, which lasts for two weeks, is filled with family gatherings, dinners, and fireworks.
Celebrations involve numerous traditions, such as cleaning the house to rid it of bad luck, decorating with red symbols for good fortune, and gathering for a “reunion dinner.” The first two days consist of visits to family and friends, where guests bring gifts and treats to share, and red packets are given to children and unmarried young adults to ward off evil spirits.
On the third day, also known as chi kou, people avoid arguments, and visit temples in hopes to bring good luck for the year. Day seven, renri or the people’s birthday celebrates the creation of humanity with each culture indulging in different foods. Finally, the Lantern Festival on day 15 marks the end of the celebrations, symbolizing the departure of winter and the arrival of spring. This year, as the festivals roll out, marks the birth of the Wood Snakes.
The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle, each year represented by one of 12 animals in the following order: rat, ox,tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Last year the animal was the dragon, so following the pattern this year it is the snake with the element being wood.
The Zodiac of “Wood Snake” represents a once in 60 years combination of imagination, creativity, and opportunities. Wood is associated with new beginnings and growth, giving Wood Snakes high determination and courage. The Snake represents opposites, symbolizing both darkness and femininity, while also representing good luck and desire for happiness.
These people tend to be intelligent, with an innate ability to overcome challenges and make the right decisions. While they have leadership qualities, they can also be sensitive to pressure and feel lost thereby needing others to help them get back on their feet. Those born in the winter are seen as quieter while those born in the summer are seen as more powerful.
Sources:
https://www.almanac.com/content/chinese-new-year-chinese-zodiac
https://www.ksbw.com/article/lunar-new-year-year-of-the-snake/63558930
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/lunar-new-year/
