As the Year of the Wood Snake unfolds, themes of renewal, resilience, and personal growth take centre stage.

The Lunar New Year—celebrated as Chinese New Year, Seollal in Korea, and Tet in Vietnam—began on 29 January, ushering in more than two weeks of festivities, traditions, and lavish feasts. Known as the Spring Festival, this annual celebration marks the arrival of a fresh start according to the Chinese lunisolar calendar.

While the snake often carries negative connotations in Western cultures, it is highly respected in many Eastern traditions. According to a recent article on NBC News, the Year of the Snake is a time for shedding the past, embracing change, and stepping into new opportunities. “It’s about releasing toxicity—letting go of anger, old habits, and unrealistic expectations,” explains Professor Jonathan H. X. Lee, an expert in Chinese folklore and Asian studies at San Francisco State University, in an interview with reporter Kimmy Yam. “This is a year where deep personal and collective growth is very much possible.”

A YEAR OF SHEDDING AND GROWTH

Those born in the Year of the Snake—including 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and 2025—are often regarded as intelligent, determined, and adaptable. “Snakes are known to persevere and do whatever it takes to accomplish their goals,” Lee says. This year, however, is particularly significant, as it is the Year of the Wood Snake, bringing with it an additional layer of meaning drawn from ancient philosophies.

In Chinese cosmology, the wood element represents renewal and self-improvement. Across major belief systems, it holds unique significance—Daoism sees it as a return to one’s natural state, Confucianism associates it with refinement and self-betterment, and Buddhism links it to detachment and growth. This year’s energy is ideal for those looking to evolve, whether by learning new skills, cultivating patience, or making meaningful life changes.

LEGENDS OF WISDOM AND LOVE

The Snake’s place in the Chinese zodiac stems from a tale of perseverance. According to legend, the Jade Emperor originally created the snake with four legs, but after facing rejection from other animals, the snake’s anger transformed him—he grew fangs and began lashing out. The emperor, upon hearing of this, took away the snake’s legs as punishment but promised him a chance to reclaim them through a race against the other animals. Though the snake did not win, he finished in sixth place, impressing the emperor with his resilience. As a reward, he was given a place among the 12 zodiac signs.

Beyond resilience, the snake is also closely tied to love. One of China’s most famous folktales, The Legend of the White Snake, tells the story of an immortal snake spirit who falls deeply in love with a mortal man. When he discovers her true identity and dies from shock, she steals from the tree of immortality to bring him back. Moved by her devotion, the emperor guarding the tree allows her to save her beloved. The tale has been retold for centuries, reinforcing the snake’s association with passion and deep, enduring connections.

As this zodiac year unfolds, it offers an invitation to embrace personal transformation. “The snake’s journey is one of self-discovery and evolution,” Lee says. “Whether through new beginnings, overcoming challenges, or strengthening relationships, the Year of the Wood Snake presents an opportunity to let go of the past and move forward with renewed purpose.”

For an overview of Chinese New Year, and a fun guide to what the Year of the Snake may hold in store for you, visit this interactive site from the South China Morning Post.