28/01/2025
The tale of the “Lunar New Year”, also referred to as the Spring Festival (春节, Chūnjié), is one of the most well-known legends linked to the Lunar New Year involves the story of Nian (年兽, Nián shòu).
In ancient times, there was a terrifying monster named Nian (which translates to “year” in Chinese). Nian resided in the depths of the sea or in the mountains, emerging once a year on the eve of the Lunar New Year to assault villages. The creature consumed crops, livestock, and even people, particularly children. The villagers lived in constant dread of Nian, seeking refuge in their homes whenever it appeared.
One year, an elderly sage came to the village and revealed that Nian was afraid of three things:
The color red – Nian had a particular fear of vibrant colors, especially red.
Loud noises – The monster was terrified by sounds such as firecrackers and drums.
Fire – Nian was afraid of flames and bright lights.
Determined to defend themselves, the villagers devised a plan. On the following New Year’s Eve, they adorned their doors with red lanterns and red scrolls, set off firecrackers, and ignited, bonfires. When Nian arrived, it was intimidated by the red decorations, resounding noises, and flickering flames. The creature fled and never returned.
From that moment on, the customs of wearing red, lighting firecrackers, and hanging lanterns became integral to the Lunar New Year festivities, believed to attract good luck and repel evil spirits.
The Lunar New Year is also a time for:
- Family reunions: Many travel long distances to gather with loved ones for the New Year’s Eve dinner.
- Giving red envelopes (红包, hóngbāo): These contain money and are bestowed upon children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good fortune.
- House cleaning: This act represents sweeping away misfortune and making space for good luck in the new year.
- Enjoying special dishes: Foods such as dumplings (饺子, jiǎozi) and fish (鱼, yú) are consumed to symbolize prosperity and abundance.
Snake’s 2025 Horoscope (Year of the Snake)
While 2025 is a challenging year for Snakes due to their Ben Ming Nian, lucky stars offer strong opportunities for career and financial growth. Stay focused, take necessary precautions, and balance challenges with joyful events to make the most of the year.
Snakes are sensitive, effective, and adaptable, positive personality traits often complemented by a considerable intelligence. They are usually amiable and even-tempered, showing a cool and calm exterior punctuated by occasional bouts of perfectly-timed energy and passion.
They move elegantly through the social sphere, armed with their wide range of interests and hobbies, which add to their intrigue and mystery. They’re often artistic, which makes them taste-makers others look to for guidance.
In emergencies, Snakes show their true value by remaining calm and collected, not losing an ounce of their ability to analyze the situation and come up with the best solution while remaining a dependable presence.
In daily life, Snake people are easy-going and fascinating for their mystery while also needing alone time to smooth their sensitivities. If they can learn to be vulnerable, Snake will find a new world opening to them.
Snake Strengths
Snakes are self-respecting and steadfast; therefore, external voices won’t shake their resolve. They’re goal-oriented, and while they don’t often appear outwardly passionate, they’re blessed with a keen intuition and ample inspiration, making them very creative.
Indeed, Snake may well choose a career in art because they make connections between subjects. They also possess excellent taste, glide among the elite with elegance, and can remain calm in the most stressful situations.
Snake Weaknesses
Snakes are emotionally detached, which can, at times, manifest as coldness or selfishness. Others distrust them, as they seem to be calculating and only concerned with their own welfare, and Snakes distrust others in return.
With their romantic partners, Snakes may struggle to be vulnerable and will try to protect themselves with their usual detachment—which spells romantic failure and will, unfortunately, reinforce Snakes’ distrust for others in the future.
