On January 29, 2025 , the Chinese New Year (also known as the Lunar New Year ) marks the beginning of the Year of the Wooden Snake , which symbolizes wisdom, cunning , and intuition . It is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world: just think that it involves over a billion people in China, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and global Asian communities. What is also known as the Spring Festival has its roots in ancient legends and cultural traditions, maintaining a strong link with the history and identity of the populations that celebrate it.
Why Chinese New Year is celebrated on January 29 in 2025
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, Chinese New Year follows the cycle of the moon , falling on a different date each year.
In 2025, the new year begins on January 29, coinciding with the second new moon after the winter solstice.
The Origins of Chinese New Year
According to one of the most widespread legends, the holiday originated as a defense against the mythological beast Nian , which attacked villages at the beginning of each year.
To scare her, the population used firecrackers, lights and red decorations , which are still a symbol of the celebrations today.
In addition to its secular character, Chinese New Year has traits of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, as well as traditional rites and popular beliefs.
The Year of the Wood Snake: What it Means
The Chinese zodiac calendar follows a 12-year cycle , each associated with an animal :
- Mouse
- Buffalo
- Tiger
- Rabbit
- Dragon
- Snake
- Horse
- Goat
- Monkey
- Rooster
- Dog
- Pig
2025 marks the Year of the Snake , with the addition of the element of wood , according to the sexagenary cycle of Chinese philosophy.
The Snake is considered a symbol of intelligence, charisma and creativity , but also of mystery and cunning .
The difference with the Western vision, which often associates the Snake with deception and malevolence, is evident, given that Chinese culture attributes a positive meaning to it , comparing it to a small dragon .
Famous personalities born under this sign include Xi Jinping and Taylor Swift .
How to celebrate the Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year celebrations begin with house cleaning to ward off bad luck and welcome the new year with renewed prosperity.
In many Asian countries, Christmas Eve is dedicated to family reunions with a large dinner , a bit like in Italy.
In China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, symbolic dishes such as fish (associated with abundance ) and dumplings, whose shape resembles gold bars, are served .
Then, on the first day of the year, children receive red envelopes with money inside.
The celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival , which will fall on February 12 in 2025 .
Why is an animal associated with each year?
Chinese astrology provides that each year is associated with an animal , but not only that.
The calendar in fact includes two subsets:
- 10 Heavenly Trunks (Yang Wood, Yin Wood; Yang Fire, Yin Fire; Yang Earth, Yin Earth; Yang Metal, Yin Metal; Yang Water, Yin Water)
- 12 Earthly Branches (i.e. animals )
In this table, the animals year by year since 1900 , according to an unchanged sequence: in 2026 , therefore, the year of the Horse will be celebrated .
Each celestial trunk is associated with an element of nature, while each terrestrial branch is associated with a symbolic animal: the consequence is that each year is characterised by a Trunk and a Branch .
2025 is the year of the Wood Snake .
When calculating a person's Chinese zodiac sign based on the Gregorian calendar, it is essential to take into account the shift in the Chinese lunar year, which begins approximately one month later than the solar calendar.
For example, those born in 2025, but up to January 28, belong to the sign of the Dragon , while those born from January 29 onwards belong to the Snake .
Add comment
Comments