Lunar New Year 2025: What to know about the Year of the Snake
Asian American communities around the U.S. and around the world are ringing in the Year of the Snake Wednesday, including in New York City.
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar, according to the National Museum of Asian Art.
The days-long holiday is celebrated, not only in China, but across various Asian countries, as well as places with large Chinese populations.
THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE
The Chinese Zodiac works with a 12-year cycle, with a different animal representing different animal. 2025 is the Year of the Snake.
The snake represents calmness and introspection — traits seen as important for “guiding one’s life with wisdom and grace,” according to chinesenewyear.net. “Snakes are known in the zodiac for their wisdom, intuition, and mystery. Naturally strategic, they are excellent problem-solvers and skilled communicators.”
WHAT IS BEN MING NIAN?
According to Chinese legend, Nian was a terrifying monster with sharp teeth and horns, living deep in the sea who would come ashore to create chaos in the villages every Lunar New Year’s Eve, chinesenewyear.net explains. Villagers soon realized that the beast was afraid of the color red and loud noises, so in order to protect themselves, they hung red decorations and lit firecrackers, driving Nian back to the sea.
According to chinesenewyear.net, 2025 is the Ben Ming Nian for those born in a snake year. A Ben Ming Nian year is one that is traditionally believed to bring bad luck because of a conflict with the God of Age, known as Tai Sui.
If you were born in a snake year, you should wear red throughout the year to protect yourself from the bad luck of Ben Ming Nian, according to chinesenewyear.net, which also adds that although the zodiac year may be challenging for those born in a snake year, it will lead to wisdom and personal growth.
CHINESE NEW YEAR AROUND THE WORLD
Firecrackers popped, incense was offered at temples and dancers and drummers paraded Wednesday in Asia and farther afield as millions around the world celebrated the Lunar New Year.
From Beijing to Havana, the holiday — known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea — is a major festival celebrated in many countries. Wednesday marked the start of the Year of the Snake, one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.
Throngs of people in down jackets filled a Beijing park for a “temple fair” on a sunny but chilly day. Some rang bells and tossed coins into containers in the shape of gold bars for good luck, while others ate traditional snacks from food stalls and took photos with a person dressed up as the God of Wealth.
The Lunar New Year is a time to wish for good luck and prosperity in the coming year for oneself and others.
“The past year was a very busy one for me, because I had to take care of both my kid and my work,” said Beijing resident Jiang Hecang. “In the Year of the Snake, I wish my kid will grow healthily and my work can remain stable. Then I can be happy enough.”
In Malaysia, the crackling of firecrackers greeted the new year outside Guan Di temple in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, followed by lion dances to the rhythmic beat of drums and small cymbals.
Ethnic Chinese held incense sticks in front of them and bowed several times inside the temple before sticking the incense into elaborate gold-colored pots, the smoke rising from the burning tips.
Hundreds of people lined up on the eve of the Lunar New Year at the Wong Tai Sin Taoist temple in Hong Kong in a bid to be among the first to put incense sticks in the stands in front of the temple’s main hall at 11 p.m.
“I wish my family will be blessed. I hope my business will run well. I pray for my country and wish people peace. I hope this coming year is a better year,” said Ming So, who visits the temple annually for the late-night ritual.
Conclusion
The Lunar New Year is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and new beginnings. As the Year of the Snake begins, it is important to remember the traditions and customs that come with it. Whether you’re born in a snake year or not, it’s a time to come together with loved ones and wish for good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
FAQs
* What is the Lunar New Year?
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar.
* What is the significance of the Year of the Snake?
The snake represents calmness and introspection, and is believed to bring wisdom and personal growth to those born in a snake year.
* What is Ben Ming Nian?
Ben Ming Nian is a traditional Chinese concept that suggests that those born in a snake year may experience bad luck due to a conflict with the God of Age, known as Tai Sui. Wearing red is believed to protect oneself from this bad luck.
* How is the Lunar New Year celebrated around the world?
The Lunar New Year is celebrated in many countries, including China, Vietnam, Korea, and others, with traditional foods, decorations, and ceremonies.
