|
2025 is the Year of the WOOD SNAKE. According to Chinese astrology, the Year of the Snake is associated with transformation and renewal, as snakes are well known for their ability to shed their skin. Years of the SNAKE include 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 and 2025.. Each year belongs to a zodiac animal according to the 12-year cycle. The Lunar Year of the SNAKE begins January 29, 2025.
It is an interesting contrast between 2024, the Year of the Dragon, and 2025, The Year of the Snake. While the Dragon is energetic and flashy, the Snake is more subtle and mysterious.
The foundation of Chinese astrology, adopted throughout Asian countries, comes from Ying-Yang and The Five Elements - Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth and the Twelve Animals of the Zodiac.
There are two cycles – the twelve-year cycle and the great cycle that lasts for 60 years.
The sexagenary cycle, also known as stems-and-branches cycle is one of 60 years. Each of the twelve animals of the zodiac are paired in combinations with The Five Elements - Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth. Once this is completed after 60 years, a new cycle, or rebirth, takes place. For example, a person could be born in the year of the Metal Snake, Water Snake, Wood Snake, Fire Snake or Earth Snake..
One example of the importance of the 60 year cycle is Kanreki ("Kan" means cycle + "Reki" means calendar in Japanese). It is a time for Japanese (and other Asian cultures) to celebrate their lives as they have completed the cycle - 12 years and 5 animals. The concept of "longevity" is very important in Asian cultures.
Various Chinese legends tell the story of the origins of the 12 Animals. According to one legend, the Buddha concluded that the Chinese nation needed reorganization and, at New Year, invited all the animals in the kingdom to attend a meeting. In Feng Shui, it is said that you should place the image of the dragon behind you so as not to confront its power.
One of the most popular legends says the Ruler of Heaven and Earth, known as the Jade Emperor, wanted to find 12 guards for heaven and invited animals to a race. The challenge was to cross the heavenly river to reach the Emperor first. It is said that the RAT cheated by hopping on the back of the ox in order to cross the river first. When close it jumped off and reached the shore and the finish line ahead of all the other animals..
Only twelve animals showed up so to honor them, each one was rewarded with a year of its own. Each animal has its own personality and characteristics and many believe these characteristics apply to people based upon the year of their birth. The first 12 animals, which make up the Zodiac, are the Rat followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig (Wild Boar in Japan).
Each SNAKE year has a different element with different attributes and meaning. The WOOD SNAKE is said to be intelligent, creative and charming, but also cunning and secretive.
Note: The Lunar New Year is not only a Chinese tradition, but it's an event that's celebrated in many countries in Asia. In Vietnam, they celebrate Tết Nguyên Đán (Feast of the First Morning of the First Day) and in South Korea, they call the traditional holiday Seollal. In Japan, it is "Oshogatsu". All of the celebrations highlight many traditions and customs along with many special foods.
What to look for during Chinese New Year....
The first day of Chinese New Year, known as the "Spring Festival," begins with the New Moon, and lasts 15 days, ending with the Full Moon. The last day of the New Year is called "The Lantern Festival" and people celebrate by organizing a parade with children carrying lanterns. Chinese New Year, based on the lunar calendar, is not on the same day every year, as the cycles of the moon are different.
Preparations begin well in advance. The old year is ending so one must bring things to a close in order to welcome a new year and begin fresh. This includes paying off debts & settling accounts; evaluation of the past year and the failures & fortunes; spiritual and physical cleansing--getting rid of negative attitudes, cleaning one's home and office.
During the celebration of New Years, people decorate with special banners, many of which are red and gold representing happiness and prosperity. Friendships are renewed, and gifts are often exchanged. A traditional gift that is given is small red envelopes (lai see in Cantonese, hong bao in Mandarin) filled with "lucky money". These envelopes are given to children by their family and friends.
There will be firecrackers and fireworks which the Chinese believe scare away evil spirits and bring in the new year without the misfortunes that evil spirits can bring.
The Chinese dine on special foods meant to bring prosperity, good fortune, longevity, and happiness. Numerous symbolic "lucky dishes" are eaten during Chinese New Year. Some important dishes include:
- Dumplings & spring rolls = wealth
- Longevity noodles = happiness & longevity
- Whole fish = increased prosperity & abundance
- Lion's head meatballs = power & strength
- Rice cakes = better position and/or income
- Tangerines/oranges = luck
|
