THE Chinese Lunar New Year, marked by the Snake—a symbol among the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac—has commenced. Each animal is associated with certain characteristics and attributes. The Year of the Snake is considered a time of transformation and elegance. The characteristics of the Year of the Snake are numerous. Foremost is “Wisdom”: People born in the Year of the Snake are seen as intelligent and wise. They are often insightful and have an innate ability to assess situations accurately. Second characteristic is “Mystery”: Snakes are associated with mystery and discretion. They tend to be private and prefer to keep a low profile. Third quality is “Elegance”: Snakes are often seen as graceful and refined. Their movements and mannerisms are typically smooth and sophisticated.
Fourth distinction is “Element Influence”. In Chinese culture, every zodiac sign is also associated with one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The combination of the animal sign and element provides deeper insights into a person’s personality and fate. The symbolism is noteworthy. The snake is often seen as a symbol of fertility and rebirth. This is partly due to the snake’s ability to shed its skin, symbolizing renewal and transformation. It is also associated with wisdom and knowledge, drawing connections to ancient wisdom in various cultures. The Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival (春节, Chūnjié), is one of the most significant and widely celebrated traditional festivals in China. Its origins date back thousands of years and are rooted in Chinese folklore, agrarian culture, and astronomy.
The Chinese Lunar New Year has ancient agricultural roots, marking the end of winter and the start of spring, when farmers prepare for the planting season. It follows the lunisolar calendar, with the date varying between January 21 and February 20. The festival is steeped in myths, one of which is the legend of Nian (年), a fearsome beast that would emerge at winter’s end to attack villagers, especially children. The villagers discovered that Nian was scared of loud noises, bright lights and the colour red. To ward off the creature, they set off firecrackers, lit lanterns and decorated their homes with red banners. This practice continues today, symbolized by fireworks and vibrant red decorations during the New Year celebrations. The tradition represents both protection and the hope for good fortune in the coming year.
There is a strong cultural significance related to the celebrations. Chinese New Year is a time for family gatherings and reunions. People travel from far and wide to be with their loved ones, emphasizing the importance of family bonds and togetherness. It is a time for festivities and traditions. The celebrations typically include various customs such as giving red envelopes filled with money, enjoying feasts with traditional foods, performing dragon and lion dances, and visiting temples. Each activity carries its own meaning, often related to good fortune, prosperity, and health for the coming year. In the modern era, there is global celebration. Over the years, Chinese New Year has evolved into an international festival celebrated by Chinese communities and others around the world. It is known for its colourful parades, cultural performances, and vibrant markets.
Cultural celebrations include various festivals and traditions focuses on ushering in luck and prosperity. People may conduct rituals to ensure a year filled with wisdom and good fortune. Some regions have unique local customs that add to the rich tapestry of the celebration. For example, in certain areas, the Lantern Festival marks the end of the New Year festivities, featuring beautiful lantern displays and puzzle-solving games. Many influential figures across different fields were born in the Year of the Snake. In the arena of entertainment and music, the globally renowned singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift was born in 1989, a Year of the Snake. The famous author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling was born in 1965. The influential media mogul and talk show host, Oprah Winfrey was born in 1954. The legendary singer-songwriter, Bob Dylan also shares the Snake zodiac.
In the realm of politics and leadership, several renowned personalities were born in the Year of the Snake. John F. Kennedy, the 35th US President, was born in 1917, the same year as Indira Gandhi, India’s first female Prime Minister. Xi Jinping, China’s current president, was born in 1953, during the Year of the Snake, and took office in the 2013 Snake year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was born in 1978. In science, notable figures include Sir Isaac Newton, born in 1642, and Stephen Hawking, born in 1942. In technology, Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Jobs, born in 1955, also shares this zodiac sign. These individuals, known for their significant contributions, embody the wisdom and influence often associated with the Snake zodiac.
Some famous sportsmen born under this auspicious sign include Muhammad Ali, the iconic heavyweight boxing champion, born in 1942. The legendary basketball player, Michael Jordan, often considered the greatest of all time, was born in 1963. The famed Chinese hurdler, Liu Xiang was born in 1983. In a nutshell, the qualities often associated with this zodiac sign—wisdom, elegance, and mystery remain significant. The Chinese government officially acknowledges and promotes the celebration of the Lunar New Year, including the Year of the Snake, as a significant cultural and traditional festival. Its stance, like other Chinese zodiac years, is one of cultural preservation, promotion, and modernization, aimed at maintaining the rich traditions while adapting to contemporary societal needs.
—The writer, Retired Group Captain of PAF, is author of several books on China.
(sultanm.hali@gmail.com)
