Lunar New Year: Year of the Snake
Lunar new year is just around the corner, and it’s the year of the snake! What do slithery serpents signify? And what will this year behold, according to lunar tradition? Keep reading to find out!
The Lunar New Year is brought in by the first new moon of the year of the lunar calendar. The lunar calendar follows the cycles of the moon, unlike our typical calendar, which remains the same every year. The lunar calendar is followed by many countries in Asia, including China, Vietnam, and Korea. You may also know it by the name “Chinese New Year”.
One of the amazing things about the Lunar New Year is that it follows the Chinese Zodiac. This means that every new year correlates to an animal on the Chinese Zodiac on a 12-year cycle. That means that the year you were born – and your kiddos birthday too! – is associated with an animal that carries traits and characteristics meant to match those born that year.
To prepare for Lunar New Year, which lasts 15 days, families deep-clean their houses to remove any lingering bad luck from the year before. Maybe the perfect excuse to get your kiddos to finally clean up their playroom or toy storage?! Once the previous year’s heebie-jeebies have been cleaned, families feast on sticky rice balls and prosperity cake, while lighting lanterns and participating in their communities lantern festival. On the day of the Lunar New Year, family members receive money in small red envelopes and celebrate by dancing with their neighbors and lighting those colorful lanterns we mentioned.
This Lunar New Year, we will be transitioning from the year of the dragon to the year of the snake! According to the Chinese zodiac, the year of the snake signifies wisdom, calmness, creativity, and transformation. In fact, if you happen to spot a snake on your property during the year of the snake, it spells extra luck and good fortune for you!
Speaking of snakes, did you know that snakes live on every continent except for Antarctica? That’s right, there are over 3,700 species of snakes living around the world! Although these slithery serpents are all around, only a small percentage of them are dangerous to humans. In fact, one of the amazing things about snakes is that if they don’t want you nearby, they’ll let you know! From rattlesnakes that shake their tails to scare off enemies, to king snakes that hiss when danger is near, snakes are as afraid of you as you are of them! Make sure to always exercise caution and stay far away from any snake that seems agitated.
So if you spot a slippery serpent nearby this year, keep your distance but count yourself lucky! The year of the snake is only just beginning and we have loads of time to appreciate snaky slitherers from afar.
Ps. Check out Terra’s own RC snakes, perfect for sneaking up on others without the danger of a real snake!
Happy Lunar New Year to all! We’re wishing tranquility and loads of adventure on the Terra community. Make sure to tag us on Instagram and TikTok @TerrabyBattat and let us know how you’re celebrating the celestial holiday.
