Tomorrow marks the passage into the Year of The Snake. In Chinese astrology, the Year of the Snake is associated with the characteristics of the Snake sign, which is one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese lunar calendar assigns an animal to each year, and the Year of the Snake repeats every 12 years.

The Snake is often considered a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and charm. People born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be intelligent, perceptive, and graceful, but also reserved and sometimes mysterious. The snake is also associated with qualities like transformation and rebirth. Most of my classmates from middle school and high school were born in the Year of the Snake, and will be turning 60 this year, while I was born a year later, in the Year of the Horse.

Each year in the Chinese zodiac is also associated with one of the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water), and 2025 will be the Year of the Wood Snake. This combination of Snake and Wood brings qualities of growth, creativity, and flexibility, but may also encourage introspection and patience. For individuals born in the Year of the Snake, 2025 is believed to bring both challenges and opportunities for growth, depending on their own personal zodiac signs. In general, it’s seen as a year for careful planning and making wise decisions.

Here are some ideas for preparation:

1. Cleaning and Decluttering

• Thoroughly clean your home: This is a symbolic gesture to sweep away bad luck and make space for good fortune in the new year. It’s also a chance to declutter and refresh your living space.
• Do it before New Year’s Eve: Cleaning is traditionally done before the new year begins, as cleaning during the first days could “sweep away” good luck.

2. Decorate Your Home

• Red decorations: Red is considered an auspicious color for the Lunar New Year, symbolizing good luck and happiness. Consider decorating with red lanterns, banners with auspicious phrases, or red couplets with wishes for prosperity.
• Place a kumquat tree or flowers: Some people display kumquat trees, symbolizing wealth and luck, or blooming flowers like plum blossoms, symbolizing growth and vitality.

3. Prepare for Family Gatherings and Meals

• Plan your meals: Traditional foods include dumplings, fish (representing abundance), noodles (for longevity), and rice cakes (symbolizing prosperity). Make sure to prepare or buy ingredients for these dishes.
• Gift giving: In some cultures, it’s customary to give “hongbao” (red envelopes) with money to children and unmarried adults for good luck. Be sure to have these ready.

4. Wear New Clothes

• New clothes symbolize a fresh start: Wearing new clothes on New Year’s Day is a way to symbolize a fresh beginning and leave behind the old year. Some prefer to wear red for luck.

5. Visit Family and Friends

• Reconnect and show respect: The Lunar New Year is a time to honor family and ancestors. Visiting relatives and spending time together is an important part of the celebration.
• Honor ancestors: Some people may also conduct rituals or prayers to honor their ancestors and ask for their blessings.

6. Prepare for Festivities

• Celebrate with fireworks or firecrackers: In many places, fireworks are used to ward off evil spirits and usher in a prosperous new year.
• Music and traditional performances: You might consider enjoying or participating in dragon dances, lion dances, or other performances that are common during this time.

7. Reflect and Set Intentions

• Reflect on the past year: Take time to reflect on the successes and challenges of the previous year, and set new goals or intentions for the year ahead.
• Practice mindfulness: In some cultures, the Lunar New Year is a time for personal growth, so taking time to meditate, relax, and focus on gratitude can be very meaningful.

By preparing in these ways, you can embrace the spirit of the Lunar New Year and start the year off with positivity, renewal, and joy!