What Does the Snake Symbolise in Chinese New Year? The Year of the Snake

The Chinese zodiac is an essential part of Chinese culture, deeply rooted in history and tradition. With 12 animal signs rotating in a 12-year cycle, each animal is believed to influence a person’s character, fate, and relationships. Among these, the snake holds a fascinating and mysterious place.

The snake symbolises intelligence, transformation, and mystery in Chinese culture. But what exactly does it represent during Chinese New Year? Let’s explore the deep meaning behind this powerful zodiac sign.

The Chinese Zodiac and the Snake

What Is the Chinese Zodiac?

The Chinese zodiac, also known as “Shēngxiào” (生肖), is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year linked to a different animal sign.

These signs are determined by the lunar calendar and are believed to shape an individual’s personality and destiny.

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1/20oz Australian Lunar Year of the Snake 2025 Gold Coin

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The 12 Animals and Their Order

The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, in order, are:

1. Rat
2. Ox
3. Tiger
4. Rabbit
5. Dragon
6. Snake
7. Horse
8. Goat
9. Monkey
10. Rooster
11. Dog
12. Pig

The Year of the Snake: Frequency and Dates

The Year of the Snake occurs once every 12 years. The most recent Years of the Snake were:

• 2013
• 2001
• 1989
• 1977
• 1965

If you were born in these years, you are a snake in the Chinese zodiac!

Symbolism of the Snake in Chinese Culture

The snake is seen as a creature of deep wisdom, mystery, and transformation. Unlike Western culture, where snakes are often associated with danger, in Chinese culture, they are symbols of intelligence and strategic thinking.

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1oz Australian Lunar Year of the Snake 2025 Gold Coin

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1) Intelligence and Wisdom

Snakes are known for their cunning nature and ability to make calculated decisions. People born in the Year of the Snake are often viewed as wise, strategic, and insightful.

2) Transformation and Rebirth

Because snakes shed their skin, they represent renewal and transformation, making them a powerful symbol of change and adaptability.

3) Mystery and Intuition

Snakes are often associated with deep intuition and hidden knowledge, making them a symbol of mystery and spiritual insight.

The Snake in Chinese Mythology and Folklore

The Legend of Fuxi and Nüwa

In ancient Chinese mythology, Fuxi and Nüwa, two divine beings who were part human and part snake, created humanity and established order in the world.

The White Snake Legend

One of China’s most famous folktales, “The Legend of the White Snake,” tells the story of a white snake spirit who falls in love with a human, symbolising love, transformation, and destiny.

The Snake’s Personality Traits

Strengths of Snake-born Individuals

• Intelligent and strategic
• Charming and persuasive
• Determined and ambitious

Weaknesses of Snake-born Individuals

• Can be secretive and mysterious
• Sometimes seen as cold or detached

The Snake’s Elemental Influence

Each Year of the Snake is influenced by one of the five elements:

• Wood Snake – Kind and creative
• Fire Snake – Passionate and intense
• Earth Snake – Practical and grounded
• Metal Snake – Strong-willed and determined
• Water Snake – Deep and intuitive

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1g Argor-Heraeus Lunar Snake 2025 Gold Bar

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The Snake and Chinese New Year Celebrations

During Chinese New Year, those born in the Year of the Snake celebrate by wearing lucky colours and following traditional customs.

They avoid bad omens and embrace positive energies

Lucky and Unlucky Things for Snakes

Lucky: Red, yellow, and black colours; numbers 2, 8, 9

Unlucky: White and brown colours; numbers 1, 6, 7

The Snake and Feng Shui

People born in the Year of the Snake can enhance their luck by arranging their homes according to Feng Shui principles, using their lucky colours and symbols.

The Snake in Modern Chinese Society

Even today, the snake is admired for its intelligence and strategic thinking, making it a favorable zodiac sign in business, politics, and leadership.

Famous People Born in the Year of the Snake

• Mahatma Gandhi
• Pablo Picasso
• J.K. Rowling

Conclusion

The snake is a powerful and complex symbol in Chinese culture. It represents wisdom, transformation, and mystery. Those born in the Year of the Snake are intelligent, strategic, and intuitive—making them natural leaders and thinkers