New Delhi: Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, is an important festival celebrated at the beginning of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. The festival is believed to have originated over 3,500 years ago. It is important in Chinese culture as it marks the end of winter and the beginning of a new year.
There are different types of calendars, followed by different cultures and regions around the world. Most people follow the Gregorian Calendar, which is a solar calendar based on the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. It typically lasts about 366 days, and the New Year falls on January 1 every year. On the other hand, there is a lunisolar calendar, which is followed by Chinese culture.
The Lunar New Year will begin tomorrow, January 29, 2025. The festival usually falls between January 21 and February 20. It is celebrated in the Sinosphere or the Sinic World, which means Chinese-speaking countries and regions and those historically under Chinese influence. The Chinese New Year will culminate with the Lantern Festival, which will fall on February 12 this year.
What is animal and element this year?
The Chinese Zodiac Calendar is described as a 12-year cycle represented by 12 different animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. This year, the animal is a Snake. According to Chinse cosmology, each year is associated with one of the basic five elements: gold, wood, water, fire, and Earth. This year’s element is wood, which means that it is also known as the Year of the Wood Snake.
The Chinese zodiac each year linked to an animal sign. The order of the signs is set, placing the Snake sixth in the cycle, making 2025 the Year of the Snake. Last year, 2024, was the Year of the Dragon, and 2026 will be the Year of the Horse. Each year also pairs with one of the five basic elements. This creates a 60-year cycle.
The Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches work together in the sexagenary cycle, each having different traits. In 2025, the Heavenly Stem is Yi, which stands for Wood, and the Earthly Branch is Si, which stands for Fire. This combination creates the year of Yisi. People born in 2025 may be called ‘Wood Snake’ or ‘Fire Snake’ or ‘Wood Fire Snake’. The five elements influence each other; for example, Wood supports Fire. This means the Wood Snake will show complex traits from both elements.
The last Wood Snake year was in 1965. Let us look at what Wood Snake means this year.
Wood Snake Symbolism in Chinese Culture and Mythology
The Snake in Chinese literature and mythology has two very different meanings. On one hand, the Snake is related to yin, symbolising darkness, dampness, and femininity. Poisonous snakes are often linked to evil women who seduce men and drain their energy.
On the other hand, snakes can also have positive meanings. They are seen as smaller dragons, and when snakes shed their skin, it is called the dragon’s coat, representing good luck, rebirth, and royalty. The Snake also symbolises the search for love and happiness, as shown in the folk tale ‘The Legend of the White Snake.’ Additionally, the Snake represents wealth and wisdom, and in Chinese culture, it is grouped with the turtle and the crane as symbols of long life.
2025: The Year of the Wood Snake – Predictions and Influences
The Year of the Wood Snake in 2025 is a time for growth and reflection. It encourages personal and professional development and helps build strong relationships. Embracing the Snake’s wisdom and adaptability, along with Wood’s nurturing energy, can lead to a successful and peaceful year.
In 2025, people may feel more motivated to support green initiatives and protect the environment. The Wood element adds warmth and compassion to the Snake’s energy, fostering harmonious relationships. This year is great for keeping romantic partnerships strong, meeting new people, and starting serious relationships. It is an excellent year for couples planning to marry and for singles looking to start new relationships.
The Lunar New Year ushers in the Year of the Wood Snake. This article explores the snake’s dual symbolism—representing potential dangers and good fortune, rebirth and wisdom. The Wood element adds nurturing and growth to the Snake’s energy, promising a year of personal development, strong relationships, and environmental consciousness. Learn about the unique traits of the Wood Snake year and what it signifies for 2025. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
