The Chinese Year of the Wood Snake
or the Lunar New Year, is a 15-day celebration that begins January 29
Chinese New Year, or the Lunar New Year, is a 15-day celebration that begins Wednesday, January 29, and continues until the full “Snow Moon” signals the beginning of the Lantern Festival on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. However, the Year of the Snake will continue until Sunday, February 16, 2026.
I remain an interested stargazer, loving anything to do with the heavens (planets & stars). My interest extends beyond constellations and includes astrology, too. Knowing that it should come as no surprise that I find the zodiacs, both Western and Eastern, fun too.
This Chinese New Year – 2025 - is the Year of the Snake, specifically, the wood snake, which has not come around in the Chinese zodiac in 60 years. Instagrammer and Feng Shui consultant Elizabeth Aley, @align.and.design, explains its auspicious nature in this recent post:
The Chinese astrology has five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Western astrology has four elements: fire, earth, air, and water.
Wood signifies creativity, growth, and flexibility. The wood person is expansive, outgoing, socially conscious, and courageous. However, when feeling confined, held back, or misunderstood by others, they can become easily frustrated and angry. Thus, the wood element seeks ways to grow and expand.
In Asian cultures, the Snake in the zodiac is associated with harvest, procreation, new beginnings, and good fortune.
If you were born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, or 2013, you’re a Snake and said to be intuitive, strategic, and intelligent. After this one, the next Snake year is in 2037.
Like Virgo in the Western zodiac, the Snake is the sixth animal featured in its 12-sign astrology.
The Year of the Fire Horse rides in on February 17, 2026.
If you’d like to buy a greeting card for the Year of the Snake, other Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year mementos, I suggest clicking HERE to visit the many fine Etsy vendors.
Gong Xi Fa Cai has become one of the most recognizable Chinese New Year greetings. The Mandarin pronunciation of Gong Xi Fa Cai is similar to these English words:
Gong: "gong" (like "gong" in "gong" sound)
Xi: "shee" (like "she" in "she")
Fa: "fah" (like "fa" in "father")
Cai: "tsai" (like "tsai" a sound like "sigh" with the tongue slightly forward)
To learn more about this ancient celebration, enjoy this fun and informational website about all aspects of the Chinese New Year.