The Year of the Snake
In 2025, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on January 25.
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, occurs on the first new moon between January 21st and February 20th. In 2025, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on January 29.
In the Chinese Zodiac, each year is named after an animal and an element. There are twelve zodiac animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig) and five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water). The cycle of animals and the cycle of elements overlap, making a cycle of 60 years.
January 29 2025 marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake. The traits of the snake are cleverness, charm & wisdom. In the Chinese legend of the Great Race, the snake wound itself around the horse’s leg and slithered across the finish line to become sixth, just before the horse.
In 2025, the cycle of elements reaches wood, symbolising growth, stability, and creativity. That makes this the Year of the Wood Snake, a combination that only happens once every 60 years.
People celebrating Lunar New Year might focus on personal growth and wisdom during the Year of the Wood Snake. It’s a time to think carefully before making decisions, just like the Snake is careful before it moves. The Year of the Wood Snake is a good time to use thoughtfulness and intelligence to find creative solutions to challenges.
During the Great Race, the snake used its cunning to hitch a ride with the horse, and then beat it across the river!
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Find more information, as well as worksheets and activities, in our Chinese Calendar teaching resource.
