Dorri Partain

Managing Editor

Goodbye, “Year of the Dragon,” hello, “Year of the Snake!”

Wednesday, Jan. 29, marks the first day of the ancient celebration of the Lunar New Year. In Asian countries — and around the world — 2025 will be known as the Year of the Snake or Year of the Wood Snake.

In Asian culture, the snake is associated with good luck, prosperity, fertility and longevity. Revered for their ability to shed their skin and renew themselves, the snake symbolizes transformation and rebirth, which resonates as a theme during the Year of the Snake.

Those born during the Year of the Snake are considered wise and intelligent but enigmatic. The snake of one of 12 animals associated with specific years in the cycle of the Chinese Zodiac.

During this two-week festival — in countries including China, Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore — the celebration features parades, family dinners, firecrackers and firework displays, and the Lion Dance.

Red decorations are central to these activities, as the color red is associated with joy and good fortune. Children receive red envelopes containing money — a practice to ward off old age, so the bills tucked inside are preferred to be new and crisp.

Lunar New Year celebration concludes with the Lantern Festival, with strings of red lanterns symbolizing the first full moon of the new year on the 15th day of first month within the lunisolar Chinese calendar. 

 The Year of the Snake will conclude on Feb. 16, 2026.