It’s almost time to celebrate Chinese New Year, or 过年 (guònián). On Jan 29, it will officially be the Year of the Snake. Here’s the quick version of what nian is and what the Year of the Snake is.

What is Nian?

Nian means year in Chinese, but legend has it that it was once a fierce monster that looked like a lion with a sharp horn on its head and the long tail of a dragon. It lived at the bottom of the sea, but once a year on the last day of the lunar calendar, it would come on land to hunt.

The nian monster preyed on people and livestock, and villagers would drive away the beast with firecrackers and flares. It’s believed that the first villager who fought off the nian monster was dressed all in red, and since then it has been believed that bright lights, firecrackers, and the color red weaken the beast. So, from then on, each year during the lunar new year, people hang up red couplets and lanterns, wear red articles of clothing, and set off firecrackers.

The 12 Zodiacs and the Year of the Wooden Snake

Legend has it that the zodiacs were created by the Jade Emperor on his birthday. According to the myth, 12 animals were selected to compete in the race as a measurement of time for people. The animals were to race across a rapid river and cross the finish line on the other side. To race across, the Ox carried the Rat on his back, but, overcome by the excitement, the Rat launched off of the Ox at the finish line and crossed it first. The Ox came in second and the Tiger came in third.

Following the Tiger came the Rabbit, who would have made it sooner had he not fallen into the river. Saved by a floating log, the rabbit came in fourth, followed by the Dragon. After the Dragon came the Horse, followed by a sneaky Snake who scored himself a ride to the finish line on the leg of the Horse.

Soon after came the Monkey, Rooster, and Sheep. Myth has it that, unlike the other competitors, these three helped each other along the way to reach the finish line together. Finally, coming in last are the Dog, who decided to take a bath in the river, and the Pig, who felt hungry during the race and had a little snack.

What Does It Mean to Be a Wooden Snake?

The Wooden Snake is associated with certain personality traits. They are often calm and easygoing, which enables them to handle various situations with composure. They have a strong sense of loyalty and value relationships deeply. However, they might also display a certain degree of materialism and sometimes be a bit passive in taking initiative. Their ambitious goals are often accompanied by a tendency to hesitate or withdraw when facing difficulties. They usually require the support and encouragement of friends to fully realize their potential and achieve remarkable accomplishments.

In terms of their life path, Wooden Snakes are like the “Flickering Fire” according to the traditional Chinese five-element and zodiac theory. It implies that they have a special kind of wisdom and insight. Just like a light in the darkness, although their influence may seem limited, they can always spot opportunities and hope even in tough circumstances. They have the ability to adapt and find their own way to shine, gradually building a stable and fulfilling life. With their natural charm and the potential for growth, those born in the year of the Wooden Snake can make a mark in different aspects of life and create a unique journey filled with both challenges and rewards.

Disclaimer: Astrology, including zodiac sign characteristics and astrological predictions, is a traditional and cultural concept that lacks scientific verification. It should not be regarded as reliable real-life advice. 

Images: The Independent, Bing, Douban

This Chinese New Year ushers in the Year of the Snake – extra special in our household as it’s my oldest daughter’s symbol. Many of my friends are in the same boat, wondering what Chinese beliefs may hold true in our own children, good or bad, so I looked up some of the typical characteristics and expectations for the coming year.

Chinese legend has it that if there was a snake in the house, the family would always be free from want, and they would never starve. Good to know, for sure! 

Snakes are considered to be intelligent and wise – yet also cunning and clever, scheming in a calculating manner. Uh oh, for those of us with middle-schoolers. Not exactly what we want to hear. However, snakes also plan to achieve their goals, and they are intuitive with a sixth sense. They are thinkers who ponder ideas, and they are cool during a crisis. Not bad traits to have.

Parents of snakes will nod their head in agreement to hear that their kids can be headstrong and willful. Snakes also have a vivid memory, which in part explains why my own daughter is so good at arguing with me. They tend to pout and hold grudges when embarrassed or angry, such as if they are picked on or upset – be careful of snakes lashing out if this happens.

Snakes are also kind and vibrant, introspective and refined. They tend to like calm environments as they are easily stressed, yet they do not become flustered easily. Sleep and relaxation are important to snakes.

Preferring to work alone, snakes are sometimes seen as slackers. However, they are calculated workers and meet their deadlines, just at their own pace. This must be frustrating for teachers, and certainly during homework time every weekday!

I found the friendship portion rather interesting, as it’s a fluctuating presence in our adolescent’s life. Surprisingly, snakes don’t keep a large group of friends, although they love social functions. They are rather hard to get to know because they keep feelings locked inside. They are quite loyal to the close friends they do have, but friends should know not to betray a snake or there may be retaliation. I marvel that my own daughter easily floats from one group of friends to another, without having a regular clique that she sticks with. Now I might understand why – it’s just not her nature!

Snakes are materialistic and like to keep up with the Joneses, although they tend not to like shopping (here’s where my daughter most definitely differs from the typical snake!). They like luxury, especially on vacation, and they like comfort in their home décor.

Snakes like to feel safe and secure; they like protection. They can be possessive and jealous, making them irritable or quick tempered, but that’s mostly because they are intense and passionate people. Some of their dislikes? Being interrupted (oops…), being misled, and failure. Not too unreasonable.

The Year of the Dragon is considered to be extremely lucky due to the power of the animal. Since the Year of the Snake follows, it is sometimes called “little dragon” with some of that power and luck aura rubbing off onto the snake person. There is nothing boring in the life of a person born in the year of the snake!

Each year, the zodiac animal is tempered by one of the five elements, this year being water. Specific characteristics for the snake born in the year of the water element are: they are influential and insightful; they manage others well and are good for organizations; they are motivated and intellectual, determined and resolute; they want to be rewarded for efforts; and they are affectionate with families and friends.

What might you expect your snake child to grow up to be? The Chinese believe the following occupations suit them best: scientist, potter, analyst, jeweler, spiritual leader, sociologist, dietician, astrologer, magician, investigator or painter. Do you see your child becoming one of these someday?

Lucky colors for snakes are red and yellow, and lucky numbers are 2, 4 and 9. And, one reason not to dislike Mondays anymore, it’s the lucky day of the week for snakes!

So, take it for what it is, an ancient blueprint on how a person born in the Year of the Snake tends to be. My snake is proud to have her year highlighted, so here’s hoping we all have a wonderful Year of the Snake!