The Chinese New Year in 2025 welcomes the Year of the Snake. Celebrated by millions around the world, this is a time for cultural traditions, family reunions, and hopes for good fortune in the coming year.
In 2025, Chinese New Year fell on January 29th, kicking off the 16-day Spring Festival. As we move from the energetic and dynamic Year of the Dragon, 2025 brings the Snake’s wise and intuitive energy. The Snake, symbolizing wisdom and transformation, offers opportunities for personal growth and change.
Snake is the 6th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs, coming after the Dragon and before the Horse. Recent years of the Snake include 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, and 1941. According to Chinese mythology, the order of the zodiac animals was decided by a Great Race hosted by the Jade Emperor. The Snake, clever and strategic, coiled around the Horse’s hoof, managing to finish the race ahead of the Horse and claim sixth place.
Although the Spring Festival is a time for celebration, it also involves sombre ceremonies to wish for a good harvest where strict rules and restrictions must be followed. Here are the top 10 taboos:
- All words with negative connotations are forbidden! These include death, sick, empty, pain, ghost, poor, break, kill and more
- Do not break ceramics or glass as it will break your connection to prosperity and fortune
- Do not clean or sweep
- Do not use scissors, knives or other sharp objects
- Do not visit the wife’s family
- Do not demand debt repayment
- Avoid fighting and crying
- Avoid taking medicine to avoid being ill for the year
- Do not give New Years blessing to someone still in bed otherwise they will be bedridden for the year
- You should bring gifts when paying visits, but some gifts are forbidden. Clocks are the worst gifts. Gifting a clock represents paying one’s last respects. Splitting pears is also a metaphor for separation
Here are some fun facts on people born in the Year of the Snake
Personality
Known for their wisdom, intuition, and mystery. Naturally strategic, they are excellent problem-solvers and skilled communicators.
Love and Compatibility
Best matched with a Rooster, Ox or Monkey. Worst matched with a Tiger or Pig.
Careers
Born creative, so any career path that requires elegance and grace is likely to go well. However, Snakes are impatient, preferring to rely on their own internal compass. Careers that require team players or thankless dedication over a long period of time will inevitably be stifling for them.
Best careers – Investment Advisor, Artist, Stylist. Social Media Influencer, Psychologist.
Worst careers – Attorney, Police, Researcher, Doctors, Analyst.
Lucky Things
Lucky numbers: 1, 8
Lucky colours: Red, Black
Lucky directions: West, South
Lucky flowers: Camelia, Orchid
Famous People Born in the Year of the Snake
Pierce Brosnan: May 16, 1953
Kanye West: June 8, 1977
J.K. Rowling: July 31, 1965
Taylor Swift: December 13, 1989
Billie Eilish: December 18, 2001
Vivienne Westwood, April 8, 1941
Bob Dylan, May 24, 1941
John F. Kennedy, May 29, 1917
