Chinese zodiac animals: The snake and what it represents

By Zhou Jing: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, January 29, 2025

Editor's note: The Chinese zodiac, or "shengxiao," consists of 12 animal signs that mark the years. Each animal represents one year in a repeating 12-year cycle, which is calculated based on the Chinese lunar calendar.

The 12 animals, in order, are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. These animals, along with the 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches, are traditionally believed to significantly influence human personalities, marriages, careers and fortunes, thereby holding great importance in individuals' lives.

Some historians believe the Chinese zodiac took shape during the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220), while others trace its origins back to the Western Zhou dynasty (1046 B.C.-771 B.C.). Throughout its development, the Chinese zodiac has inspired a variety of widely accepted animal-related legends and folktales.

In many regions of China, legends about snake immortals are widespread. In these tales, the snake helps humans overcome difficulties, such as alleviating droughts by bringing rainfall and transforming into a human to treat illnesses and save lives. The snake's kindness earned it the sixth position among the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. In traditional Chinese culture, the snake symbolizes wisdom, longevity, reproduction and wealth.

People born in the Year of the Snake are often seen as wise, graceful, sociable, determined and perceptive. Those who are calm and rational are typically encouraged to pursue professions such as doctor, teacher, politician, engineer or archaeologist. Additionally, some Snake individuals are thought to possess unique aesthetic tastes and creativity, making them well-suited for careers as singers, artists or designers.

The Snake years include 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 and 2037.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the 2025 Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Jan. 29, 2025. This day marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake, which will last until Feb. 16, 2026. Since 2025 overlaps with most of the Year of the Snake, it is commonly referred to as such.