By Michelle B.
2025 is the year of the Snake. Among the Chinese Zodiac animals, the Snake has the sixth position. The Snake is regarded to be pliable. Some of the positive characteristics of the people born in the year of the Snake are wise, discreet, agile, attractive and full of sympathy. Sometimes, in China, the snake is called the ‘Little Dragon’ as it resembles the dragon in appearance. The person born in the year of the snake projects a perfectly cool exterior at most of the times like the snake. In fact, under the calm appearance, hides an eternally fervent heart. At one time, they can composedly observe things around and carry out the task quietly. On the other hand, they are passionate to help others. These can be especially seen from their initiative in helping new colleagues and friends. So they are easy to be trusted and popular among the people. Years of the Snake include 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025.
The Chinese Zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao, is based on a twelve-year cycle. Each year in that cycle is related to an animal sign – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep (Goat or Ram), Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. It is calculated according to the Chinese Lunar calendar. Although China has adopted the Gregorian calendar, the traditional Chinese calendar defines the dates of festivals and is used for horoscopes. It is also referred to as the Yin, Xia or the “old” Chinese calendar. It is believed that a year’s animal affects the characteristics of the people born in that year in the same manner as the signs of the zodiac adopted by western civilizations.
Chinese lucky money is money that is traditionally given in red packages by adults to children during Chinese New Year, but it is also given to the elderly to wish them longevity and health, and employers give it to employees. These red envelopes are called Hung Bao, and they are usually decorated with symbols of wealth and luck. The importance of the Hung Bao isn’t the cash held inside; it’s actually the envelope itself. Red envelopes are used as the Chinese consider red the color of luck and happiness. Some of these envelopes are very elegant and fancy with embossed gold designs on a rich red background. Nowadays the Luck Money is usually paper money, and it is traditional to use brand new notes. All Hung Bao given in red envelopes is considered to work against evil.
Wishing that the New Year of the Snake brings all ActioNeters, health, happiness, and good fortune!