Based on a lunisolar calendar, the Chinese New Year differentiates from other Lunar New Years, as it takes into account both the Earth’s rotation around the Sun and the Moon’s phases. So, the Chinese New Year comes with the first New Moon after 1 January, which this year falls today, 29 January, starting off the 15-day holiday known as the Spring Festival, a time when families come together in celebration.
“The Chinese people have strong family ties. They believe family is the best place for revitalization after a whole year of hard work. That is why no matter how far away from home, everyone is eager to get back home to celebrate the New Year with family members,” explains H.E. Cai Run, Head of the Mission of China to the European Union.
In China, it is a tradition of each Chinese family to have a #reuniondinner on the New Year’s Eve. See what are on the table of the Chinese. pic.twitter.com/nsrs74CfYt
— CAI Run 蔡润 (@AmbCaiRun) January 28, 2025
The Chinese New Year is a significant celebration in many Asian countries, including Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and their diasporas worldwide. This is also true for China’s two Special Administrative Regions: Macau and Hong Kong.
Amid the celebrations, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels has highlighted its priorities for the forthcoming year. “Hong Kong remains the prime gateway and super connector between China and the rest of the world, offering unmatched opportunities for entrepreneurs, artists, innovators, and talents,” pointed out Ms Shirley Yung, the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union.
Ms. Yung stated that 2025 would be a spectacular year for Hong Kong, filled with countless mega-events. “Hong Kong’s appeal as a global destination continues to grow as we recorded 45 million visitors in 2024. This growth reflects the unique experiences we can offer.”
1. The Chinese calendar
Each year is assigned an animal from a list of 12 and a “heavenly branch”, or a natural element, form a list of 5. In order, the animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The heavenly branches are: Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire. From 29 January this year until 16 February 2026, it will be the year of the wood Snake.
According to legend, the Jade Emperor, a mythical representation of the First God, organised the “Great Race” to determine which animals would have the honour of being included in the calendar and in which order. Along the race, the animals had to cross a river. Some of them simply relied on their physical skills, while others need to be more cunning to reach the finish line.
Swimming not being among its best abilities, the Snake hid on the Horse’s hoof to cross over the river. Upon reaching the other shore however, it jumped off to scare the Horse away, thus finishing the race in 6th place, right after the Dragon.
2. The Snake
Sometimes called “the little Dragon”, the Snake presents a duality of positive and negative traits, marked by intelligence on one side and slyness on the other. The Snake is considered intelligent, wise and enigmatic, often associated with deep thinkers, charm and mystery.
People born in a Year of the Snake are believed to be analytical, intuitive and sometimes secretive, with a natural ability to remain calm under pressure. Wise and intelligent, they are also believed to manage finances very well, making good investments leading to fortune in their lives. They are also disciplined and persistent in achieving their goals.
On the other hand, while being considered generally charming, they are also mysterious and secretive people, not trusting of others or sharing their thoughts and emotions. This also makes them suspicious of others and cautious around other people, leading jealousy and even possessive with their loved ones at times, displaying over attachment in relationships.
Besides these usual traits, being people are believed to also be influenced by the element of their sign. This year, the wood element adds qualities of creativity, adaptability and flexibility to the Snake’s usual traits.
