All you Need to Know about the Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is a time of renewal, family, and deep cultural significance. In 2025, the festivities began on January 29th, marking the arrival of the Year of the Wood Snake. Rooted in centuries of old traditions, this celebration is a moment for reflection, gratitude, and setting intentions for the year ahead. Families reunite, homes are decorated with red lanterns and banners symbolising good luck, and fireworks light up the skies to drive away bad fortune. The spirit of the festival is one of hope, prosperity, and fresh beginnings.

This year’s zodiac sign, the Snake, carries profound meaning in Chinese culture. Known for its intelligence, transformation, and mystery, the Snake is associated with strategy, adaptability, and deep intuition. The addition of the Wood element this year enhances these traits, promoting resilience, personal growth, and long-term planning. It’s a time to embrace change thoughtfully, trust one’s instincts, and make calculated decisions rather than rushing into action. The Snake’s energy encourages introspection and wisdom, making this a year for careful yet ambitious moves.

Beyond the first day, Chinese New Year extends over 15 days, filled with rituals meant to attract prosperity and ward off misfortune. Families honour their ancestors, exchange red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money for good luck, and share symbolic meals. Foods like dumplings, believed to bring wealth, and fish, symbolising abundance, are staples of the celebrations. The festival reaches its grand finale with the Lantern Festival, where glowing lanterns fill the sky and dragon dances bring communities together in joy and unity.

As the Year of the Wood Snake unfolds, it serves as a reminder to embrace transformation with wisdom and patience. In a world that often rushes forward, the Snake teaches the value of timing, caution, and quiet strength—traits that could make all the difference in the year ahead.