Tuesday January 28, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The Lunar New Year is on Wednesday January 29 this year.
Marked by the first new moon of the lunar calendar, the beginning of each new year is celebrated in China and by Chinese communities around the world.
A 15-day Spring Festival starts with the lunar new year. In order, the 12 Chinese zodiac animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Year of the Snake:
In the 12-year Chinese zodiac, the cycle shows The Year of the Snake in 2025.
If you know people who were born in 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 they were born in the Year of the Snake.
Children born between January 29, 2025 and February 16, 2026 will be born in the Year of the Snake. This is a Wood Snake year. The orchid and cactus plants are associated with this sign.
People born in the Year of the Snake are often described as wise beyond their years. They’re the deep thinkers of the zodiac, known for a calm demeanor, resourcefulness, and the ability to analyze situations before taking action. They are skillful at adapting to the situations around them. Astrologically they are associated with spirituality and procreation.
There are more than 1.7 million Chinese Canadians who “make Canada a more inclusive, diverse and prosperous country”, as stated by the Prime Minister’s office this week.
BC Premier David Eby – statement on the Chinese Lunar New Year
“This year, Lunar New Year begins tomorrow and heralds the start of the Year of the Snake.
“As we join people in B.C. and millions of celebrants around the world, we say goodbye to the Year of the Dragon and celebrate the beginning of a new year.
“The Year of the Snake represents wisdom, transformation, calmness and creativity – all things that will help us meet the opportunities and challenges that we will see this coming year.
“Beginning with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ending with the first full moon, Lunar New Year marks a time for people to gather with family and friends, enjoy traditional foods and hand out lucky red envelopes or ‘lucky money.’
“Throughout the province, people will be celebrating Lunar New Year with banquets, festivals and other cultural events. Every year my family looks forward to the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration, which features a colourful procession with lion and dragon dancers and other cultural performers.
“This is also a time for all the people in British Columbia to reflect and appreciate the cultural diversity that has strengthened our province for generations, and is a reminder of the incredible contributions that Asian Canadians make to B.C.
“From my family to yours, I wish you a prosperous Year of the Snake!
“Kung Hei Fat Choi! Gong Xi Fa Cai! Chúc Mừng Năm Mới! Saehae bok mani badeuseyo!”
===== RELATED:
BC baby name trends in the 21st century (January 1, 2025)
Chinese Lunar New Year: Premier’s Statement in 2020 (January 24, 2020)