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Austin Zhang

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.
Superstition or not, there are many Chinese parents out there who try their best to have a child or two during the Year of the Dragon.
It is believed that those born in this Chinese zodiac year will grow into power and greatness – qualities that the mythical beast is said to possess.
There are more births recorded in China during the Year of the Dragon – which comes around every 12 years – than in any other year.
However, having children born in the Year of the Snake can be thought of as undesirable, as the reptile is often associated with evil in Chinese mythology.

According to China’s National Bureau of Statistics, the number of births in the country dropped by 1.97 million in the last Year of the Snake – in 2013 – when compared to the Year of the Dragon in 2012. In Hong Kong, the number of births in 2013 was nearly 30,000 fewer than that of the year before, according to government figures.
Internet users on Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo note that children born in the Year of the Snake have traditionally been referred to as “sons who collect debts” rather than “sons who repay favours”.
They say that those born in the Year of the Snake are not only unlikely to bring good fortune, but may instead increase a family’s financial challenges and difficulties.
So why does the Snake give this impression?
In Chinese culture, snakes are often associated with insidiousness, cunning and danger. In many legends and traditional stories, snakes are made the villains. This directly affects views of the Year of the Snake, especially when it comes to fertility – people want to have their children born under an auspicious zodiac sign.


“Although I also want to have a child as soon as possible, I would still avoid having a child born in the Year of the Snake,” one user commented on Weibo. “The snake always sounds not as glorious as the dragon, and it does not symbolise good luck like the horse. I am afraid that my child will become unlucky.”
However, snakes are not always considered bad. For some, they are a welcome symbol.
A user of Xiaohongshu – an Instagram-like platform in mainland China – said that snakes can be seen as a symbol of intelligence and wisdom, and that people born in the Year of the Snake are likely to be wise, insightful and ambitious.
Many people born in the Year of the Snake have achieved extraordinary success. Just look at US singer Taylor Swift, Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng and Hong Kong movie star Aaron Kwok Fu-shing – all born in Snake years.

In addition, thanks to the lower birth rate in this zodiac year, some believe that children born in the Year of the Snake face less competition when they are older and have an easier time accessing educational resources.
However, while traditional Chinese culture and folk beliefs – things that are important to upholding contemporary culture – contribute to the desire of people to have or not have a child born in the Year of the Snake, children’s prospects depend more on their parents’ education and their own efforts than on the zodiac sign under which they are born.


From moongazing to bus tours: how to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong

History of mooncake moulds and their designs, and those preserving the craft

How Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns are traditionally made and an artisan defending the craft

How a Hong Kong-style milk tea shop in Tokyo has customers queuing out the door

Chinese culture

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

6 places snakes appear in Cantonese slang, used to describe lazy people, queues and more

What is a “snake king”? Where do you find a ‘“snake nest” and why is that something good? We untangle six Cantonese slang phrases to do with snakes. Photo: Shutterstock

What is a “snake king” and what does it have to do with being lazy and shirking one’s responsibilities? Photo: Shutterstock

Kam Kee Cafe in Wan Chai can be considered a “seh dou” for people working nearby. Photo: May Tse

Chinese illegal immigrants huddle together. In the second half of the 20th century, sneaking people across the border from mainland China to Hong Kong became a booming business, which was nicknamed “wat seh”, meaning “bending snakes”. Photo: SCMP

To those trying to catch someone red-handed, snakes, meaning undercover police officers, can be sent into shady businesses, nightclubs and gambling dens. Photo: Shutterstock 

Customers line up outside Bakehouse in Causeway Bay. A queue like the one here can be described as “da seh beng”. Photo: May Tse

Why Year of the Snake 2025 won’t follow Lunar New Year’s Eve. It’s ‘the moon’s fault’

A family eats at home, as many do on Lunar New Year’s Eve. Photo: Shutterstock 

There’ll technically be no Lunar New Year’s Eve to ring in the Year of the Snake in 2025. We look at why, and how this will affect celebrations. Photo: Shutterstock

Lunar New Year’s Eve is an important day in the Chinese calendar, and is when families typically get together for reunion dinners. Photo: Shutterstock 

People shop for Lunar New Year decorations in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Photo: Eugene Lee

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

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

Lifestyle

Family & Relationships

Arts

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

Year of the Snake 12th month predictions for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs. Is your luck in?

How’s your luck in the Year of the Snake’s 12th month? Feng shui master Andrew Kwan gives his predictions for all 12 Chinese zodiac animal signs. Photo: Shutterstock

Photo: Shutterstock

Year of the Snake fifth month predictions for 12 Chinese zodiac signs. Is your luck in?

How’s your luck in June? Feng shui master Andrew Kwan gives his predictions for all 12 Chinese zodiac animal signs. Photo: Shutterstock

Is Year of the Snake’s month 3 lucky for you? Predictions for all 12 zodiac signs

The third lunar month of the Year of the Snake begins on March 29, 2025. What does the month have in store for you? Photo: VCG via Getty Images

Rats should prioritise stress relief this month. Photo: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Oxen may experience unexpected changes in their careers. Photo: Shutterstock

Tigers should stay resilient at work and invest cautiously. Photo: Shutterstock

Rabbits should adjust their mindset and persevere at work. Photo: Xinhua

Dragons should stick to routines and avoid late nights to maintain regular sleep cycles. Photo: AP

Snakes should beware of accidents and stay alert to avoid injuries. Photo: Austin Zhang

Horses should maintain a balanced routine to ensure adequate rest and regulate sleep to counter social exhaustion. Photo: Shutterstock

Single Sheep may attract mature partners. Photo: Shutterstock

Monkeys face mounting work pressure this month. Photo: Shutterstock

Roosters should maximise professional growth, stabilise finances and deepen bonds this month. Photo: Shutterstock

Dogs should capitalise on professional breakthroughs. Photo: Shutterstock

This is a good month for Pigs to engage in preventive care. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui tips for Ox birth sign in the Year of the Snake, for health, wealth, luck, love

The Year of the Snake will be busy for Oxen, who can use feng shui to ward off bad luck. A master of the ancient practice shares where to put what. Photo: Shutterstock

Some of those born in the Year of the Ox will find romance easily in the Year of the Snake, but should be careful. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan. Photo: Andrew Kwan

Feng shui tips for Dragons in the Year of the Snake, for luck in love, health and wealth

Dragons will experience a complete turnaround of fortunes in the Year of the Snake. A feng shui master shares how to maximise luck in health, wealth and love. Photo: Shutterstock

Dragons may suffer from insomnia and mild health problems this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Dragons can place white crystals such as quartz in the western part of their living space to enhance their good luck this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui tips for Rabbits in the Year of the Snake, for luck in love, health and wealth

Rabbits should be careful when it comes to investments this year. A feng shui master shares where to place crystals, orchids and more for luck in wealth, health and love. Photo: Shutterstock

According to feng shui principles, Rabbits should place a fishbowl, or decorative items with flowing water, in the southeast of their living space for financial luck. Photo: Shutterstock

Rabbits can place purple crystals such as amethyst in the northwest of their living space to enhance luck this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui tips for Tigers in the Year of the Snake for luck in love, wealth and health

Tigers may face betrayal and poor health in the Year of the Snake. A feng shui expert shares what to place where to prevent misfortune. Photo: Shutterstock

Those born in the Year of the Tiger should take particular care while driving this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan says Tigers should beware of back-stabbers in the Year of the Snake. Photo: Andrew Kwan

Year of the Snake predictions for Donald Trump, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin

U.S President Donald Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the entrance of the White House in Washington, U.S., February 4, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis

President Xi Jinping raises a glass during a welcome dinner hosted by the Macau government in Macau on December 19, 2024. In the Year of the Snake, Xi’s Chinese astrological chart is characterised by a strong fire element accompanied by earth, metal and water, representing a typical combination of strength and prosperity. Photo: EPA-EFE

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan. Photo: Jelly Tse

US President Donald Trump is likely to encounter fewer challenges in his administrative duties over the next three years. Photo: Reuters

The next three years are predicted to be fraught with challenges for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Reuters

Feng Shui master Tong Pik-ha. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Feng shui tips for Rats in the Year of the Snake, for luck in love, health and wealth

Rats will enjoy a good financial Year of the Snake. Photo: Shutterstock

The Year of the Snake will be a good financial year for Rats, but there may be downsides. A feng shui expert explains where to place items to ward off bad luck. Photo: Shutterstock

It will be a good financial year for Rats, but this might come with more pressure in the workplace. Photo: Shutterstock 

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan says Rats need to be careful of gossip and betrayal in the Year of the Snake. Photo: Andrew Kwan

What are Chinese knots? A history of the good luck symbol popular at Lunar New Year

Chinese knots have a long history, and are especially popular at Lunar New Year because they are believed to bring good luck. Photo: Shutterstock

Most of the Chinese knots you will see are made with a single length of satin cord. Photo: Shutterstock

Hong Kong-based designer Zoe Siu has based her artistic practice around knots for over 10 years. Photo: Pacific Place

The double coin knot resembles two interlocking coins, and symbolises wealth and prosperity. Photo: Pacific Place

Siu’s Lunar New Year installation at Pacific Place features a variety of intricate knots. Photo: Pacific Place

Feng shui tips for Dogs in the Year of the Snake, for health, wealth, luck and love

The Year of the Snake will bring luck for Dogs, who had a hard time last year. A feng shui expert shares where to place auspicious objects in your living space. Photo: Shutterstock


Placing purple crystals such as amethyst in the eastern part of their living space can bring luck to Dogs this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui tips for Roosters in the Year of the Snake, for health, wealth, luck and love

A Year of the Rooster zodiac figure. Photo: Shutterstock

Love is in the south for Roosters in the Year of the Snake. A feng shui master shares how to place items accordingly to improve your luck. Photo: Shutterstock

Decorating the southern part of your living space with red roses can bring luck in love for Roosters this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan says this year presents excellent chances for Roosters to advance their careers. Photo: Andrew Kwan

Feng shui tips for Monkeys in the Year of the Snake for luck in love, wealth and health

Money will come and go for Monkeys in the Year of the Snake. A feng shui expert gives tips on where to put lucky objects for a healthy body, love life and bank account. Photo: Shutterstock

Gold ingot decorations are common at Lunar New Year and are believed to bring good luck if placed in the right location. Photo: Shutterstock

How sticky rice cakes became a Lunar New Year lucky dish and different ways they are eaten

Cantonese-style sticky rice cake, or “nin gou”, is usually made with glutinous rice flour, Chinese brown sugar and coconut milk. Photo: The Peninsula Hong Kong

Nian gao – Chinese sticky rice cakes – are made to appease the Kitchen God, or zao jun, who reports the activities of every household over the past year to Yu Huang, the Jade Emperor. Photo: Pictures From History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Nian gao, called nin gou in Cantonese (above), are sticky rice cakes eaten at Lunar New Year. Photo: Shutterstock

Lam Yuk-ming is the Chinese cuisine executive chef at Spring Moon, The Peninsula Hong Kong’s Cantonese restaurant. Photo: The Peninsula Hong Kong

Tteokguk is a Korean Lunar New Year dish or thinly sliced rice cakes cooked in clear soybean soup. Photo: Shutterstock

Kagami mochi is eaten during Japanese New Year celebrations. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui tips for Sheep in the Year of the Snake for luck in love, health and wealth

For Sheep in the Year of the Snake, the wealth position is north and northwest. A feng shui master explains how to act on this for good luck. Photo: Shutterstock

People have been adhering to feng shui principles for centuries to improve their luck in health, love and wealth. Photo: Shutterstock 

The wealth position is in the north this year for Sheep, which means placing a fish bowl or tank in the north of their living space can bring good luck. Photo: Shutterstock 

Feng shui tips for Horses in the Year of the Snake for luck in love, wealth and health

Horses can improve their luck using feng shui in the Year of the Snake. Photo: Shutterstock

For Horses in the Year of the Snake, the position of love is east while health is south. A feng shui master shares how to act on this for good luck. Photo: Shutterstock

Feng shui has been used for centuries to improve the flow of energy, or qi, for good fortune and to ward off bad energy. Photo: Shutterstock 

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares how to promote good fortune through the thoughtful placement of lucky elements in your living space. Photo: Andrew Kwan

Hong Kong cheongsam maker gives the Chinese dress a modern makeover with her funky brand

Cheongsam maker Chocolate Tsang poses in one of her creations at her studio, Stand Tall D, in Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. Photo: Edmond So

Tsang works in her studio. Photo: Edmond So

Women wear cheongsam in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, in the 1960s. Photo: Information Services Department

Tsang takes 20 body measurements to make her cheongsam. Photo: Edmond So

 Tsang with cheongsam master tailor Yan Ka-man. Photo: Chocolate Tsang

Maggie Cheung wore 20 different cheongsam in the film In The Mood for Love (2000). Photo: Block 2 Pictures

Tsang’s favourite cheongsam is this navy lace piece that she handcrafted under the guidance of Yan. Photo: Chocolate Tsang

Tsang founded her made-to-measure brand in 2018. Photo: Edmond So

How ‘snake’ entered the English language and what Singaporeans mean by ‘eat snake’

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

Feng shui tips in the Year of the Snake for Snakes, for health, wealth, luck and love

For Snakes in the Year of the Snake, the wealth position is west, the love position is south, and the position for health and general luck enhancement is southwest, according to feng shui. Photo: Shutterstock

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 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

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

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

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Many think those born under the Snake will be unlucky. On the other hand, fewer births means less competition for things like school places

Many think those born under the Snake will be unlucky. On the other hand, fewer births means less competition for things like school places