East Asian communities across the globe are gearing up to welcome the Lunar New Year, which begins on January 29, 2025. This vibrant 15-day celebration marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring, concluding with the Lantern Festival on February 12—fondly called the Chinese Valentine’s Day. In some traditions, the festivities extend to 16 days, starting with New Year’s Eve on January 28.
New Year Linked To 12 Animals
According to Chinese Lunar new year, each New Year is linked to one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Year 2025 marks the Year of the Snake, the sixth animal in the zodiac cycle. The Snake is considered to be symboling wisdom, elegance, and intuition. The year is further classified as the Year of the Wood Snake, combining the zodiac cycle with the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—that create a broader 60-year cycle. The last Year of the Wood Snake was in 1965.
The Snake holds dual symbolism. Chinese culture regard it as a sign of harvest, spirituality, and good fortune, along with the association of cunning and secrecy. The Wood Snake, in particular, is believed to possess qualities of charm, intelligence, and creativity, while sometimes being secretive or ruthless.
What Does Chinese Astrology Say?
The Year of the Snake is associated with the Wood element, which brings both positive and difficult moments for individuals, depending on their zodiac sign. However, the Year of the Snake will continue until Sunday, Feb. 16, 2026. Lunar New Year, sometimes called Spring Festival, is celebrated in Vietnam as Tết, Losar in Tibet and Solnal in Korea.
The Chinese calendar follows a lunisolar system, which is based on the moon’s phases and the Earth’s orbit around the sun. Since the lunar calendar doesn’t sync with the solar calendar, those born in January or February may find that their Chinese zodiac animal doesn’t match the one typically associated with that Gregorian year.
Calculating Your Lunar New Year Animal
The date of the Chinese Lunar New Year varies each year, so if you were born early in the Gregorian calendar year, it’s essential to confirm the Lunar New Year date for your birth year. For instance, January 30, 1976, fell under the Year of the Rabbit, whereas January 31, 1976, marked the start of the Year of the Dragon.
According to a Forbes report, the BBC provides a general guide. But those born in January or February should refer to China Travel Guide’s detailed Chinese Zodiac Calculator for accuracy.
Birth Year And Animal
- Year Of The Snake: 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
- Year Of The Horse: 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
- Year Of The Goat: 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
- Year Of The Monkey: 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
- Year Of The Rooster: 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
- Year Of The Dog: 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
- Year Of The Pig: 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
- Year Of The Rat: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
- Year Of The Ox: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
- Year Of The Tiger: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
- Year Of The Rabbit: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
- Year Of The Dragon: 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
The Next 12 Animals of The Chinese Zodiac
- 2026: Year Of The Horse
- 2027: : Year Of The Goat
- 2028: Year Of The Monkey
- 2029: Year Of The Rooster
- 2030: Year Of The Dog
- 2031: Year Of The Pig
- 2032: Year Of The Rat
- 2033: Year Of The Ox
- 2034: Year Of The Tiger
- 2035: Year Of The Rabbit/Cat
- 2036: Year Of The Dragon
