The snake is a symbol of good luck and happiness and ranks sixth among the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac.
The snake is a symbol of good luck and happiness and ranks sixth among the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac.
The Year of the Snake will bring favourable market conditions, a flourishing real estate sector and an explosion of new ideas, according to feng shui master Jojo Zhou.
Chinese New Year is a festival that kicks off on January 29 and lasts 19 days until February 16, and will be marked by celebrations across the country.
Astrologer and feng shui expert Jojo Zhou said the heaven stem Yi and earthly branch Si, characterised by the element of wood (Yi) generating fire (Si), symbolised the emergence of favourable information in the market and the gradual fading of challenging times
“For the real estate sector, the flourishing fire driven by wood may fuel a surge in buying and selling properties,” she said.
“Although it is far from the past peak periods, the continuous decline in interest rates still positively impacts the real estate market to some degree.”
People born in 1929, 1941, 1952, 1977, 1989, 2001, or 2013 are considered born under the sign.
Global superstar Taylor Swift was born in the year of the snake.
Famous snakes include Chinese President Xi Jinping, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, Canadian country star Shania Twain and global superstar Taylor Swift.
Zhou also said new concepts and thoughts would enter the market in 2025, bringing a surging wave of ideas.
“Both businesses and governments will explore various possibilities,” she said.
“This is especially important on a personal level. Whether we are willing to embrace new ideas and make changes will determine whether we can achieve financial success in the new year.”
Zhou said 2025 would be challenging for people with the Chinese zodiac signs of snake, tiger, monkey, and pig.
“Clashing with one’s own Tai Sui (Ben Ming Nian), (snakes) should pay attention to interpersonal relationships and emotional issues. Attending joyful events can help alleviate challenges,” she said.
“(Tigers) are likely to feel significant pressure and encounter obstacles, while (monkeys) should take care of their health.
“It will be a year of many changes (for pigs), best addressed through frequent movement of travel.”
However, the most favourable zodiac signs in 2025 would be rat, dragon and dog.
“(They) are well-positioned to expand their networks and work towards achieving their life goals,” Zhou said.
The Lantern Festival takes place between February 13 and 16 at Manukau Sports Bowl. Photo / Auckland Lantern Festival
Origins of the lunar calendar
Traditionally, the Chinese have followed their native lunar calendar, which is based on observations and measurements of astronomical phenomena. While modern China adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1912, traditional festivals such as the Lunar New Year still follow the old lunar calendar.
The origins of the lunar calendar may go back to the dawn of Chinese civilisation, traditionally associated with the legendary Xia dynasty, said to have ruled from 2070 to 1600BC. The origins of the Lunar New Year celebrations are also not entirely clear; some scholars believe they likely go back to the rule of the Shang dynasty, which lasted from 1600BC to 1050BC.
Chinese New Year celebrations in New Zealand
Chinese New Year Festival and Market Day, ASB Showgrounds, Auckland, Saturday, January 25, 9.30am-4pm.
Auckland Lantern Festival, Manukau Sports Bowl, Thursday, February 13, Friday, February 14, 3pm-10pm, Saturday, February 15, Sunday, February 16, 1pm-10pm
Wellington’s Lunar New Year Festival, Wellington waterfront, January 29 and February 16.
