A comprehensive guide to the Chinese zodiac in Chinese Astrology according to a Chinese astrology expert Vicki Iskandar

Wednesday was the first day of the Year of the Snake, an animal with special attributes in Chinese culture, but beyond the Chinese zodiac, Taiwan is home to many types of the limbless reptiles.

Lunar New Year, often called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian communities. Every year is marked by a different animal and 2025 is the Year of the Snake.

The Chinese zodiac corresponds to various years people were born, and each animal is believed to influence the lives of people born in that year. The Year of the Snake is seen as one of renewal and regeneration and aligns with people born in 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 and 2025.

The first new moon of the lunar calendar officially ushered in the new year in many cultures Wednesday, marking the imminent arrival of spring and the first day of the Year of the Snake, which symbolizes good luck, rebirth and regality.

The festival is celebrated by several ethnic communities across the world, where it is known as Chunjie (Chinese), Seollal (Korean) and Tet (Vietnamese), among other names. In English, it is commonly referred to as Lunar New Year, after the lunisolar calendar that many of these communities traditionally follow.

The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle where each year is associated with an animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

Wisps and clouds of smoke rose into the air at Buddhist and Daoist temples around Asia on Wednesday as people lit incense to pray for good luck in the Year of the Snake.

Since Snake is a harmonious zodiac animal for Ox, Rooster, and Monkey, these Chinese zodiac signs have a year of wealth, prosperity, and positive energy awaiting them.

People rush to markets on Lunar New Year’s Eve in Taipei to buy food and decorations for the holidays. The Lunar New Year — known as the Spring Festival in

The Chinese lunar new year is here, and 2025 marks the year of the snake.

Firecrackers, parades and prayers marked the Lunar New Year as millions around Asia and farther afield celebrated. Wednesday is the start of the Year of the Snake, one of 12