5 Things you need to know about the Year of the Snake
Posted Jan 23, 2025 08:19:52 PM.
Last Updated Jan 23, 2025 09:50:19 PM.
With Lunar New Year approaching, it is time to prepare for the Year of the Snake — a symbol of wisdom, transformation, and growth. In Chinese culture, the snake is a greatly respected animal for its instinctive and adaptive nature. In 2025, the Year of the Wood Snake offers a chance for personal growth and success.
Here are five things you need to know:
- The Snake: a symbol of transformation and renewal
In Chinese tradition, the snake is closely tied to transformation and renewal, often represented by its ability to shed its skin. “Once you shed your skin, you go from one to the other. In other words, you change. These could be opportunities — a change of job, a change of character, or even a religious enlightenment,” said Dr. John Edward Stowe, academic coordinator and lecturer for Chinese courses at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Stowe also noted that the snake holds a unique place in Chinese culture as a “little dragon.”
“Many Chinese will consider the snake a little dragon. That is because the snake shares the appearance and mysterious qualities of the dragon, and it is believed that the mythical figure of the dragon was originally modeled on the snake,” he explained.
Dr. Mung Ting Chung, a professor at University of Calgary’s School of Chinese Studies, highlighted the Snake’s connection to Chinese mythology through Nüwa (女媧), a primal totem symbolizing transformation and kinship.
“Nüwa’s upper body is human, but the lower body is serpent-like. This represents a societal shift from kinship systems based on motherhood to those based on fatherhood, reflecting transformation and renewal,” she said.
Individuals born in the Year of Snake – including 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989 and every 12-year cycle before that — are often associated with qualities such as creativity, wisdom, sympathy, and intuition. This zodiac sign inspires strategic thinking and the courage to evolve.
- The unique energy of the Wood Snake
The Chinese zodiac pairs each animal with one of five elements — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water. In 2025, the Snake is paired with the Wood element, representing creativity, resilience, and renewal.
“The five elements — wood, fire, earth, metal, and water — are interconnected. For example, metal cuts down wood, but water helps wood grow. These elements either produce or conquer one another, creating a system of harmony,” Stowe explained.
The energy of the Wood Snake emphasizes health, well-being, and creative problem-solving. It encourages individuals to embrace new challenges and focus on self-improvement.
- Zodiac insights: what the snake means for you
The Year of the Snake affects each zodiac sign differently, offering both opportunities and challenges.
For those born in the Year of the Snake, 2025 is their zodiac year — a period traditionally considered a time of potential difficulty. Financial uncertainty, career disruptions, and relationship strains may arise, often linked to Tai Sui (太歲), also known as the “Grand Duke Jupiter,” a deity believed to affect fortunes.
To navigate these challenges, people are advised to wear red for protection, carry auspicious charms such as jade, and avoid major life changes such as moving or switching jobs. Focusing on health and fostering harmony in relationships is key.
Other zodiac signs will experience varying influences during the Year of the Snake. Ox and Rooster are expected to thrive, enjoying growth and stability, while Dragons may find opportunities for transformation and progress through careful planning. Rats, Tigers, Rabbits, Horses, Goats, and Dogs can anticipate steady progress by setting realistic goals and focusing on self-care. On the other hand, Monkeys and Pigs might face more challenges this year, requiring patience and strategic thinking to overcome obstacles.
- Numerology of 2025: closure and renewal
The numerology of 2025 adds up to the number nine (2+0+2+5=9), a number highly valued in Chinese culture. As the highest single-digit number, nine represents completeness, fulfillment, and eternity. It is also associated with good fortune, marking the end of one cycle and the start of another.
In ancient China, nine was revered by emperors, symbolizing power and longevity. For example, The Forbidden City in Beijing is said to feature 9,999 rooms, reflecting the emperor’s wish for an eternal reign. Imperial palaces often included Nine-dragon Walls and Nine-dragon Imperial Robes to signify authority and hope for an enduring legacy.
In 2025, the themes of reflection and renewal tied to the number nine align with the transformative energy of the Snake. The year encourages letting go of the past, celebrating accomplishments, and embracing new beginnings with confidence.
- Feng Shui for luck and harmony
The ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui can align your home with the energy of the Snake. According to the Feng Shui Society of Canada, adding specific design elements to your home can boost positive energy and bring prosperity.
Decorating with green and earthy tones is a simple way to bring the Wood element of the Snake into your home. These colors are believed to encourage growth, renewal, and financial stability while creating a calming and balanced atmosphere.
Adding natural elements, like plants or wooden furniture, can also boost the vitality of your space. Not only do they make your home feel more vibrant, but they also reflect the themes of growth and renewal tied to the Wood Snake.
To enhance good fortune, focus on the southeast corner of your home, which is linked to wealth and prosperity in Feng Shui. Placing snake-inspired charms or decorations in this area can help balance the energy and invite positive outcomes for the year ahead.
Celebrate Lunar New Year with OMNI TV
OMNI TV will celebrate the Lunar New Year with a special program, “Celebrating the Year of Snake-OMNI 2025 CNY Special”. The special will be hosted by Wei Lee, Kenneth Li, Jie Yang and Ellen Ma in both Cantonese and Mandarin, this vibrant celebration will feature traditional dances, festive cooking, lucky draws, and musical performances to bring good fortune and joy to the new year.
Tune in to OMNI TV on Wednesday, January 29, at 5:30 p.m. ET/PT/MT. It will also air on Quebec’s ICI Channel at 9 p.m. ET the same day, with replays on Sunday, February 2, at 6 p.m., and Friday, February 7, at 5:30 p.m.
OMNI TV will also present “Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade Special,” a 30-minute program celebrating Vancouver’s 51st Annual Chinatown Spring Festival Parade. Hosted by Karen So and Tina Song in Cantonese and Mandarin, the program will spotlight one of the city’s oldest Lunar New Year traditions, showcasing vibrant performances, cultural displays, and the energy of the parade. The program premieres on Friday, February 2, at 9:30 p.m. PT with replays airing on Wednesday, February 5, at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 9, at 8:30 p.m.
With files from Toronto Metropolitan University, the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto and the Feng Shui Society of Canada.
