Lunar New Year 2025: Year of the Wood Snake Brings Transformation

NANJING, China — As the world prepares to celebrate Lunar New Year on January 29, 2025, the Year of the Wood Snake promises a time of transformation, intuition, and renewal. The 15-day Spring Festival, marked by vibrant red decorations, family reunions, and ancient traditions, will usher in a year symbolized by the enigmatic Snake, the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac.

The Snake, representing complexity, mystery, and personal evolution, is believed to bring a year of strategic planning and thoughtful action. “The Year of the Snake in 2025 is all about intuition, wisdom, and transformation,” said Hong Kong-based astrologist Wang. “Snakes are known for their calm, thoughtful nature, and this year will encourage us to look inward and plan thoughtfully.”

Lunar New Year traditions vary across regions but share common elements. Red lanterns, banners, and clothing dominate the celebrations, rooted in the legend of Nian, a mythical beast scared away by the color red and loud noises. Families gather for reunion dinners featuring symbolic dishes like fish, dumplings, and rice cakes, each representing prosperity and good fortune.

Preparations for the festival begin days in advance. On the 24th day of the last lunar month (January 23, 2025), families prepare festive cakes and puddings, symbolizing growth. Homes are cleaned to sweep away bad luck, and red envelopes filled with money, known as hongbao, are exchanged to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings.

In China, the festival is a time for family and reflection. “The Snake’s graceful, mysterious vibe can inspire us to stay focused and resilient,” Wang added. “It’s a time to let go of old habits or patterns, much like a snake shedding its skin, making room for renewal and growth.”

Beyond China, Lunar New Year is celebrated with unique customs. In Malaysia and Singapore, the “prosperity toss” (yusheng) is a lively tradition where diners toss raw fish and vegetables for good luck. In South Korea, the festival, called Seollal, includes ancestral tributes and traditional foods like rice cakes (tteokguk).

For those born in the Year of the Snake, 2025 is expected to be a pivotal year. “Snakes will face stiff competition, but leveraging connections and staying the course will lead to success,” Wang noted. Other zodiac signs, from the Rat to the Pig, will also experience unique opportunities and challenges, influenced by the Snake’s transformative energy.

As the world embraces the Year of the Wood Snake, the festival serves as a reminder of the power of renewal and the importance of family, tradition, and introspection.