Original calligraphy by Nory Yamaguchi, Tokyo, Japan.
The artwork depicts the character, or kanji, for Snake
巳 (Mi).
巳年, “Midoshi” means “The Year of the Snake.”
The Japanese use special characters for each animal in the Zodiac.
The Legend of the Zodiac
One of the most popular legends behind the Lunar New Year tells of the Jade Emperor — the ruler of Heaven and Earth — who sought twelve animals to guard the gates of heaven. To choose them, he invited all the animals to a race across the heavenly river.
According to the legend, the Rat, clever and resourceful, tricked the Ox by riding on its back to cross the river. Just before reaching the shore, the Rat leapt off and crossed the finish line first, earning the first spot in the zodiac.
Only twelve animals completed the race. To honor them, the Emperor assigned each one its own year — forming the foundation of the zodiac system. Each animal is believed to carry unique characteristics, which are thought to influence the personality of those born in its year.
The twelve animals of the zodiac, in order, are:
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig (often known as the Wild Boar in Japan).
The Lunar New Year — also known as Spring Festival or Tet depending on the country — is the most important holiday in many parts of Asia. In 2025, the celebration begins on January 29 and marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac.
Observed across China, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, and beyond, this season blends centuries-old tradition with modern festivity. While customs differ by region, the unifying spirit of renewal, respect for ancestors, and family togetherness is shared across cultures.
Why It Matters in Business: Many companies throughout Asia close for a full week or more. Business slows or halts entirely during the holiday. Understanding these dynamics is essential if you’re scheduling meetings, negotiating contracts, or managing operations in the region.
While the holiday is festive, it's also deeply rooted in symbolism, tradition, and intergenerational values. Gifting customs, food rituals, and red envelope exchanges carry nuanced meanings that differ by country. It’s a prime example of how culture influences relationships — personally and professionally.
Interested in how Lunar New Year celebrations affect your business relationships in Asia? Contact us to discuss how Cultural Savvy can support your team’s success across borders.
Explore more:
• Korean New Year (Seollal)
• Vietnamese New Year (Tet)
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