The Year of the Snake has begun, bringing themes of renewal and transformation. Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks a fresh start across various Asian cultures, including China, Korea, and Vietnam. Despite the snake’s negative perception in Western cultures, it is revered in the East as a symbol of intelligence, resilience, and personal growth.
Jonathan H. X. Lee, a professor specializing in Asian folklore, explains that the Year of the Snake encourages people to shed toxicity, let go of past burdens, and embrace positive change. This year specifically belongs to the wood snake, an element deeply tied to self-improvement in Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. Daoism sees wood as a return to one’s true nature, Confucianism links it to becoming a refined individual, and Buddhism associates it with growth through letting go.
People born in snake years—such as 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and 2025—are thought to be intelligent, persistent, and capable of overcoming challenges. Their adaptability and strategic thinking make them well-suited for success.
Folklore highlights the snake’s perseverance and transformation. One zodiac myth tells of a snake that, after being ostracized for its appearance, learned to control its anger through a celestial race. Though it did not win, the Jade Emperor admired its resilience and made it part of the zodiac. Another well-known legend, “The Legend of the White Snake,” portrays the snake as a symbol of enduring love. A white snake, disguised as a woman, defies fate to save her beloved, proving the power of deep, cosmic love.
Overall, the Year of the Snake invites people to embrace change, release negativity, and step into a year of growth, love, and new beginnings.