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Erika Na

From snake-themed events to whether your luck is in: discover all you need to know about the coming Lunar New Year in our Year of the Snake 2025 series.
In the Chinese zodiac, each animal sign is believed to have certain affinities and rivalries with other signs.
For people born under the sign of the Snake, there are three signs that are considered their “enemies”: the Tiger, Monkey and Pig.
These rivalries can play out in various aspects of life, from romantic relationships to business partnerships, and can often lead to conflicts or misunderstandings.

However, these challenges are not insurmountable. With effort, communication and a willingness to compromise, people born under the Snake sign can still build lasting and meaningful relationships with these rival signs.
Let us explore these “enemy signs” in more detail according to traditional readings.
Tiger
As lovers
When a Snake and a Tiger form a romantic relationship, the pairing is often marked by suspicion, misunderstandings and emotional turbulence. There is a significant lack of mutual empathy, and both individuals may struggle to understand each other’s perspectives.
For example, when a Snake man and a Tiger woman enter into a relationship, it may be difficult for them to connect emotionally. If the Snake man controls the finances or tries to dominate the relationship, conflicts can easily escalate. On the other hand, if the power dynamic is such that the Tiger woman has some control, the relationship might be more harmonious.
In the reverse scenario, where a Tiger man and a Snake woman are involved, the relationship can be filled with negative emotions, constant suspicion and a lack of trust, leading to ongoing conflicts and dissatisfaction.
As business partners
In the business world, the Snake and Tiger are also a challenging combination. They tend to lack trust and sympathy for each other, making cooperation difficult.
If they do decide to work together, conflicts over profit-sharing, individual agendas and differing approaches to problem-solving often arise. The partnership is rarely successful, and if it does go sour, they may even blame each other or harbour lasting resentment.
The key danger is that their fundamental differences prevent them from working as a cohesive unit, causing the business to fail or dissolve.
Monkey
As lovers
When a Snake and a Monkey come together in a romantic relationship, their compatibility is far from ideal. They may struggle to communicate effectively and are likely to face a lack of mutual understanding and trust.
Although the relationship is not doomed from the start, without strong efforts to build trust and goodwill, it is prone to constant friction and disagreements.

When a Snake man and Monkey woman make efforts to compromise and express affection, they can have a relatively harmonious relationship. Similarly, if a Monkey man and Snake woman are together, their relationship may involve frequent quarrels, but with patience and effort, they can endure and have a long-lasting bond.
As business partners
In a professional setting, the Snake and Monkey have a difficult time cooperating. The lack of harmony and trust between them makes collaboration challenging. If these two signs work together, they may find it hard to align their goals and strategies.
However, if they can build mutual trust and offer good intentions, their partnership has the potential for success.
Like their romantic relationships, business partnerships between a Snake and a Monkey are not without difficulty, but can work if both parties are willing to compromise.
Pig
As lovers
The relationship between a Snake and a Pig is considered one of the most challenging in the zodiac.
The two signs often experience conflict and have difficulty understanding each other’s needs and perspectives. Communication can break down, and they may find it hard to reconcile their differences.
In a relationship between a Snake man and a Pig woman, chaos can often ensue. However, if both parties put in the effort to work through their issues, they could find stability and even achieve financial prosperity together.

If the roles are reversed, with a Pig man and a Snake woman, their relationship is likely to be filled with ongoing conflict. Despite this, they have a bond that is difficult to break, and might remain together due to a sense of attachment or loyalty.
As business partners
Business relationships between a Snake and a Pig also tend to be difficult. There is often a breakdown in communication, and understanding each other’s viewpoints proves to be a challenge. Disagreements over goals and methods can arise frequently.
However, with persistent effort and open communication, these two signs can manage to establish a functional and prosperous business relationship.
Like in their romantic relationships, the business partnership may be tumultuous, but if both parties work hard to overcome their differences, it could ultimately succeed.


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Chinese culture

What are ‘enemy signs’ in the Chinese zodiac? Snakes have 3; how to find success with them

Tigers are one of the Snake’s three “enemy signs” in the Chinese zodiac. The Snake and Tiger can be a challenging combination in both love and business, with relationships often full of conflict. Photo: Shutterstock

The Year of the Snake 2025 is not predicted to be a good one for Snakes, according to Chinese geomancy, who will experience unstable luck and relationship challenges. Photo: Shutterstock

Monkeys have a difficult time cooperating with Snakes in professional settings. Photo: Shutterstock

The relationship between Snakes and Pigs is considered one of the most challenging in the Chinese zodiac. Photo: Shutterstock

In Year of the Snake 2025, is bad luck predicted for you? 5 ways to change your fortunes

Every year in the Chinese lunisolar calendar, some zodiac signs clash with the guardian deity, bringing bad luck to people born under those signs. But there are things they can do to improve their luck. Photo: Getty Images

Chinese people like to learn their future by visiting a fortune-teller. If bad luck awaits some in the Year of the Snake, there are steps they can take to improve their prospects. Photo: Shutterstock

Performing a ritual at a temple that grants you a protective talisman is one way to mitigate bad luck resulting from a clash between your zodiac sign and the guardian deity. Photo: Shutterstock

Women’s red underwear. Wearing red undergarments is believed to improve luck. Photo: Getty Images

Wearing an amulet of another zodiac sign can ward off bad luck. In the Year of the Snake, a rooster amulet will help those born in the Year of the Snake. Photo: Shutterstock

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Ox birth sign, from lucky colour to wealth, health

How will Tigers fare in the Year of the Snake? Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

In 2025’s Year of the Snake, people born in an Ox year can expect good luck at work and home, according to Chinese geomancy. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

In the Year of the Snake, brown is the lucky colour for people born in the Year of the Ox, as seen in this dress by Self-Portrait, available from Net-a-Porter. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung/Jonathan Vit

People born in the Year of the Ox will have a fairly smooth time in the Year of the Snake. Illustration. Illustration Victor Sanjinez

People born in the Year of the Ox will enjoy relatively good health in the Year of the Snake, but an evil star means those born in the latter part of the year risk being bitten by animals. Photo: Elson Li

Traditional Chinese medicine remedies for colds, coughs, flu, sleep, fatigue and more

Hong Kong-based traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Elizabeth Yau says that by addressing specific imbalances, TCM herbal remedies can uplift energy levels, reduce stress, improve digestion and restore overall vitality. Photo: Instagram/tcm.elizabeth

There are about 700 herb plants in common use in TCM. Photo: Shutterstock

Seng says that if you have come down with a cold, the best way to treat it naturally is to take personalised Chinese medicinal herbs and get enough rest. Photo: Instagram/tcmbycheehee

Ginger is commonly used in herbal remedies. Photo: Shutterstock

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Snakes, from lucky colour to making easy money

Snakes will have mixed fortunes in the Year of the Snake. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Feng Shui master Tong Pik-ha reveals what lies in store for Snakes in 2025. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Money will come easy for Snakes in the coming lunar year. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Tai sui are guardian deities. Those born in the Year of the Snake clash with them in 2025. Photo: Shutterstock

Lifestyle

Chinese Zodiac

Year of the Snake 2025: predictions, facts, myths and feng shui

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for 12 zodiac signs. How is your health, luck, wealth?

Feng shui master Tong Pik-ha predicts the varying fortunes of people born under the 12 Chinese zodiac signs in the coming Year of the Snake. Illustrations: Victor Sanjinez

The root words of the English snake and serpent mean “a creeping thing”, and most sayings that incorporate snake have a negative meaning, including the Singapore English “eat snake”. Photo: Shutterstock

The Slytherin logo is seen on cups in the store of a touring Harry exhibition in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: Getty Images

A 16th century Flemish engraving depicts men setting fire to undergrowth in which snakes are trapped. Photo: Getty Images

A banded krait, a snake native to Hong Kong. The name krait is borrowed from Hindi. Photo: Shutterstock

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Rats, from lucky colour to health and wealth

In the coming Year of the Snake, white is the lucky colour for people born in Year of the Rat. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

In 2025’s Year of the Snake, people born in a Year of the Rat can expect good health but risks to their wealth. What else awaits them according to Chinese geomancy? Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

White is the lucky colour for Rats in 2025’s Year of the Snake, as seen in this White jumpsuit by Galvan, availabel from Net-a-Porter. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung/Jonathan Vit

Those born under the sign of the Rat have strong luck in love. Photo: Shutterstock

It is time to start focusing on well-being and dropping bad lifestyle habits. Photo: Shutterstock

How Hong Kong Lunar New Year lai see red packet designs blend tradition and innovation

Lai see envelopes created by Hong Kong design studio The Cabinet. Its founder explains how it balances tradition and modernity in its designs for them. Photo: Kylie Knott

Malou Ko is the founder of Hong Kong design studio The Cabinet, which has created lai see envelopes for corporate clients. Photo: Kylie Knott

The Cabinet designed red packets in 2020 for the Sheraton hotel chain that included the brand’s logo. Brand alignment is important, says The Cabinet’s founder Malou Ko. Photo: The Cabinet

A lai see packet created by Hong Kong design studio The Cabinet that was inspired by the boxes containing oranges that are sold in supermarkets at Lunar New Year. Photo: The Cabinet

The Cabinet designed lai see packets in 2023 for Hong Kong lifestyle brand Yuu including a scratch-off section that revealed a discount code for various retailers in the city. Photo: The Cabinet

An evergreen lai see packet with lanterns from The Lion Rock Press can be used every year. Photo: The Lion Rock Press

Why Chinese give red packets at Lunar New Year and the rise of digital versions

The red colour of lai see symbolises good luck and prosperity, and the amount of money inside usually ends in an even number, which is considered more auspicious. Photo: Shutterstock

Sending digital red packets is becoming more popular in China. Photo: Shutterstock

WeChat was the first company to launch a digital red packet function. Photo: WeChat 

Many people still prefer to send paper red packets rather than digital ones because of the cultural significance. Photo: Shutterstock

Food mistakes to avoid over Lunar New Year holiday, from eating congee to chopping chicken

People in Chengdu, southwest China, enjoy a Lunar New Year feast. There are auspicious foods to eat during the festival, and others you should avoid if you want good fortune in the new lunar year. Photo: Getty Images

Congee’s association with thriftiness and poverty makes it an inauspicious food to eat during Chinese new year celebrations. Photo: Shutterstock

According to Buddhist principles, diners should avoid eating meat on the first and 15th days of the Lunar New Year holiday, so the barbecued pork this woman is eating with a bowl of noodles would be a no-no. Photo: Shutterstock

Do not chop meat on Lunar New Year’s day. According to Chinese tradition, using sharp objects then symbolises cutting the thread of good luck for the year ahead. Photo: Shutterstock

A plump whole fish is a common sight on dining tables over Lunar New Year. Tradition-minded diners will leave the head and tail untouched so they will always have enough to eat in the coming lunar year. Photo: Shutterstock

Whether you use a bucket or other receptacle to store rice, make sure it is full to the brim at Lunar New Year. Photo: Shutterstock

Why Tigers should take precautions in Year of the Snake with conflict in the stars

A tiger bestrides Shanghai’s Yuuan Garden during the Lantern Festival in 2022. Tigers in the Year of the Snake face strife on the health and home fronts, but can take steps to mitigate their bad luck. Photo: Shutterstock

Tigers are in conflict with the guardian deity in the Year of the Snake, affecting their health and home life especially. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

The conflict with the guardian deity will negatively affect Tigers’ relationships at work this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Single Tigers will unlucky in love in the Year of the Snake because of their clash with the guardian deity. Photo: Shutterstock

Why there are fewer babies born in the Year of the Snake, and what it means

A family where the lucky colour red for Lunar New Year. Fewer babies are born in the Year of the Snake, with many parents believing they will be unlucky. Photo: Shutterstock

A lighting installation at Beijing’s Wenyuhe Park to welcome the coming Year of the Snake. Photo: AFP

A serpent-shaped light installation in Nanjing, Jiangsu, eastern China to mark the Year of the Snake. Photo: AFP

Year of the Snake predictions for Pigs, from love and health to career and wealth

Pigs oppose the ‘tai sui’ (guardian deity) this year and may face bad luck, but there are ways to improve your prospects. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Travel should be in the plans of Pigs in 2025’s Year of the Snake, to avoid the effects of some inauspicious stars according to Chinese geomancy. Illustration; Victor Sanjinez

Pink is the lucky colour for Pigs in 2025’s Year of the Snake, as seen in this dress by Zimmermann, available from Net-a-Porter. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung/Jonathan Vit

Married couples may be prone to constant arguments with each other, and should start or expand their family. Photo: Shutterstock

Pigs should engage in some light renovation or replace old furniture to refresh the energy at home. Photo: Shutterstock

Why Year of the Snake is cursed for Snakes, and how to appease deities to avoid bad luck

The Year of the Snake is bad for Snakes. Photo: Getty Images

Wearing red during the year of the Chinese zodiac sign you were born under is one of the ways to prevent bad luck. Photo: Shutterstock

A guardian deity inside of a Chinese temple. According to Chinese geomancy, those born in the Year of the Snake may face misfortune this coming year. Photo: Getty Images

Some set up a shrine at home dedicated to the tai sui to ask for forgiveness and protection against bad luck. Photo: Shutterstock

Naga, the King of Serpents, is widely worshipped, especially in Southeast Asia. He represents both good and evil. Photo: Getty Images

Wearing jade jewellery can be another way to prevent misfortune during your ben ming nian, as the stone is believed to bring longevity, and have mystical powers. Photo: Shutterstock

Positioning is key when reorganising your home to bring good fortune. It pays to consult a feng shui expert before doing so. Photo: Shutterstock

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Dogs, from lucky colour to money and romance

The Year of the Snake will bring good luck for Dogs. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

In 2025’s Year of the Snake, Dogs can expect good financial and romantic luck according to Chinese geomancy. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez 

The lucky colour for Dogs in 2025’s Year of the Snake is green, as seen in this dress by Faithfull, available from Net-a-Porter. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung/Jonathan Vit

Why do people born in the Year of the Snake make good lovers, friends and colleagues?

People born in the Year of the Snake are caring friends – once you break the ice. They are also romantic lovers and also one of the best colleagues to have in a crisis. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez Garcia

Feng shui master Tong Pik-ha at her office in San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. The independent Snake is very good at networking, Tong says. Photo: Jonathan Wong

People who are born in the Year of the Snake are very enterprising. Illustration: Adolfo Arranz

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Monkeys, from lucky colour to a big career boost

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

In 2025’s Year of the Snake, Monkeys can expect career advancements, according to Chinese geomancy, but trouble on some fronts. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

The Monkey’s lucky colour for 2025’s Year of the Snake is red, as seen in this Solace London dress available from Net-a-Porter. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung/Jonathan Vit

Those born in the Year of the Monkey will enjoy a lot of career development this year. Photo: Shutterstock

This year, married Monkeys will be affected by a menacing star that will leave them prone to emotional changes. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why the Year of the Wood Snake starting in 2025 could bring major change, and more luck

A snake at a farm in Bangkok, Thailand. The next lunar new year will be a Year of the Wood Snake, which comes around every 60 years. The previous one, in 1965, saw dynamic change and upheaval. Are we in for more of the same? Photo: Getty Images

Snakes made of palm leaves are displayed in Shanghai to celebrate the previous Year of the Snake in 2013. Photo: Getty Images

Following the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, people line up to vote, most for the first time, in Alabama in the US in 1966. Photo: Getty Images

Angry depositors protest and clash with police outside the office of the chairman of the Canton Trust and Commercial Bank in 1965, the previous Year of the Wood Snake in the Chinese lunisolar calendar. Photo: Chan Kiu

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Sheep, unlucky in love but money prospects good

Things will go well for Sheep who are married or in a stable relationship in the Year of the Snake. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

How lucky will Sheep be in 2025’s Year of the Snake? Find out. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

The lucky colour for Sheep in the Year of the Snake is khaki, as seen in this dress by Isabel Marant available from Net-a-Porter. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung/Jonathan Vit

Sheep will need to be prepared if they are thinking about switching careers, changing jobs or starting a business. Photo: Shutterstock

Things will go well for Sheep who are married or in a stable relationship. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

10 snake-themed Chinese-language movies that charm us, from erotica to horror to animation

A still from Anaconda (2024), one of our picks of the best Chinese snake movies.

A still from White Snake (2019), one of 10 Chinese-language films featuring snakes that we think make perfect viewing with the Year of the Snake coming.

A promotional poster for The Snake Girl (1974).

A promotional poster for Snake Beauty (1994).

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Roosters, from lucky colour to lots of wealth, love

According to Chinese geomancy, Roosters can expect easy money in 2025’s Year of the Snake. Find out what is in store for them on the health, wealth and romance fronts. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Roosters’ lucky colour for 2025’s Year of Snake is purple, as seen in this Solace London dress from Net-a-Porter. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung/Jonathan Vit

With the help of the tai sui, this will be a healthy year for Roosters. Photo: Shutterstock

7 snake idioms to ring in the Year of the Snake, including one about being two-faced

Why would legs drawn on a snake mean something is ruined? What does a bow’s shadow have to do with reptiles? Seven snake idioms and their meanings. Photo: Shutterstock

One idiom refers to drawing legs on a snake – in other words, making unnecessary changes to something. Snakes do not have legs. Those are called lizards (pictured: an iguana). Photo: Shutterstock

A snake and dragon statuette with Chinese coins and a pyramid. One idiom referring to snakes and dragons is used in association with spaces where both good and bad people can be found. Photo: Shutterstock

A golden Buddha statue in Thailand. A Chinese idiom refers to a person who has the words of the Buddha but the intention of a snake. Photo: Getty Images

An illustration of a giant snake killing an elephant, similar to a Chinese idiom that describes a snake trying to swallow an elephant – meaning a person who is never content. Photo: YouTube

An idiom that refer to being scared of rope after being bitten by a snake is like the English proverb “once bitten, twice shy”. Photo: Shutterstock

Year of the Snake 2025 predictions for Horses, including lucky colour and love prospects

The Year of the Snake will be an auspicious one for Horses. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

The Year of the Snake will bring good luck in love for Horses, with single ones poised to find their perfect match. Photo: Shutterstock

Horses’ lucky colour in the Year of the Snake is grey. Our model wears a Marant Etoile grey dress c/o Net-a-Porter. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung/Jonathan Vit

It’s going to be a good year financially for Horses, who will benefit from a clear mind and quick thinking. Take advantage of this to get that pay rise or promotion. Photo: Shutterstock

The love lives of Horses will be spectacular this year, especially for women. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

What are ‘enemy signs’ in the Chinese zodiac? Snakes have 3; how to find success with them

The Tiger, Monkey and Pig animal signs are considered ‘enemies’ of Snakes. Here’s how to overcome relationship issues in love and business