
The zodiac of Chinese New Year 2025 is the snack. The Chinese zodiac snake symbolizes wisdom and alertness in Chinese culture. During your China tours in 2025, you will see many decorations related to the snake element.
Chinese Zodiac Culture
The twelve Chinese zodiac signs are an important part of traditional Chinese culture. People associate the twelve earthly branches with twelve animals, each representing a different year and time. The twelve zodiac signs include twelve animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Each animal has unique symbolism and legendary stories.
As a symbol of long-standing folk culture, the Chinese zodiac has left behind a large number of poems, paintings and folk craft works depicting the image of the Chinese zodiac through the ages.
Snake Culture in China
The snake symbolizes wisdom, flexibility and change in Chinese culture. In folktales, snakes are often depicted as creatures with magical powers. In ancient China, snakes were also seen as a symbol of longevity. In some myths, snakes were even believed to live forever. Snakes are often featured in literature, such as in classic stories like The Legend of the White Snake and Journey to the West.
In some regions, snakes are viewed as the messengers or protectors of the divine. The Year of the Snake is perceived as a lucky and propitious year, filled with promises of good fortune.
The Origin of the Zodiac Snake
In ancient legends, snakes originally had four legs. However, it caused a lot of trouble for people. Upon learning of this, the Jade Emperor advised the snake to correct its behaviors. But the snake did not listen. The Jade Emperor therefore ordered that the snake’s four legs be cut off as punishment.
Since then, the snake could only crawl. The snake began to reflect and change its behaviors. After the snake’s death, its body was used as medicine to save the sick. In view of the snake’s contribution, the Jade Emperor ranked him after the dragon as one of the twelve zodiac signs.
Customs for the Year of the Snake
During the Year of the Snake, people will worship the snake god to pray for peace and a good harvest. In some places, locals make snake-shaped offerings to symbolize the snake god to drive away evil spirits and avoid disasters. Snake-shaped paper cuttings are popular as decorations for the Year of the Snake. Paper-cutting artists combine snakes with other traditional motifs to represent good fortune.
Food culture for the Year of the Snake is also very elaborate, with people choosing foods that “resemble snakes” for good luck. In some places, snake-shaped snacks are made from glutinous rice products, which are both delicious and symbolic. In some places, a snake dance is performed. This kind of performance shows the agility and movement of snakes, and also expresses people’s desire for good luck.