Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival is upon us. The starting day of this event changes with the Moon cycle, and this year, the 15-day-long celebration starts tomorrow, January 29.
The date corresponds to the New Moon in either late January or February.
When we picture Chinese New Year, lanterns, dragons and the colour red might come to mind. Last year saw the Year of the Dragon, which is associated with auspicious opportunities and exciting advancements.
The Dragon resembles strength, power, and good fortune in the Chinese zodiac.
But this year welcomes the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac, the Wood Snake. This animal is known for its intelligence and elegance, as well as strategy and cunning.
This year is set to be transformative for many, and some signs of the Chinese zodiac will find it easier than others to cope with the coming changes. But what is the Year of the Snake, and what is the story behind the Chinese zodiac?
Here’s everything you need to know about the Year of the Snake.
What is the story behind the Chinese zodiac?
There are many versions of the legend behind the Chinese zodiac, but all involve a race between all kinds of animals. Myths say that the reason for calling the race was to create the zodiac itself, and all animals were invited to race for their place in the zodiac system.
In some versions of the story, the race was called by Buddha, but others show the Jade Emperor as the one who announced the competition. The first 12 animals to cross the finish line would earn a place in the calendar in the order they completed the race, which involved crossing a river.
Different versions of the story show varying details on how each animal got across the finish line. A popular version of the story says that the first animal to cross the river, the rat, was smart enough to ride across the river on the ox’s back, before jumping off quick enough to cross the finish line first.
After the ox, the tiger, rabbit, and dragon came in third, fourth and fifth place. The dragon could fly and so could’ve easily won, but some versions of the story say the dragon briefly left the race to save some villagers from a fire.
Next came the snake, who was followed by the horse. The snake’s cunning method for beating the horse differs from version to version of the tale.
Some say the snake scared the horse, while others say it hid in one of the horse’s hooves and sneaked out just before the finish.
The goat, monkey, and rooster came next after helping each other across the river. The dog finished second to last after pausing to play in the river, while the pig came in last after stopping to eat and rest along the way.
The results of this race made up the order for the Chinese zodiac.
Full list of the Chinese zodiac in order
- Rat
- Ox
- Tiger
- Rabbit
- Dragon
- Snake
- Horse
- Goat
- Monkey
- Rooster
- Dog
- Pig
What is the Year of the Snake?
The legend describes the snake’s strategy, intelligence and cunning, which helped it earn the sixth place in the Chinese zodiac system.
Those born in the Year of the Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013) are said to be wise, smart and elegant. This year is said to be transformative for every sign in the zodiac, but those born under the Snake are going to thrive with all the changes coming their way.
Snake-born folk will find that the road rises to meet them during the year of the Snake, as their intuitive qualities will get them through any challenges they are faced with.
But if you weren’t born in the Year of the Wood Snake, you can find out how it will affect your zodiac sign here.
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