Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the Spring Festival, the most important festival in China and celebrated in Chinese communities worldwide. For example, Vancouver’s Chinatown, despite being covered in snow, hosted its 51st annual Chinese New Year parade on February 2nd.
The history of this 15-day Spring Festival can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (c.1600 BC – c. 1100 BC) when people made sacrifices to the gods and ancestors at the end of an old year and at the beginning of the new one, recognizing the renewal, growth, and hope of spring.
The first full moon of the lunar new year, on February 12, will be the Lantern Festival, marking the end of Spring Festival. The Lantern Festival honours deceased ancestors and promotes reconciliation, peace and forgiveness. Celebrations include lighting colourful lanterns, family gatherings, and traditional performances.
The Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac has a tradition that also spans thousands of years. Unlike the Western zodiac, which is based on monthly astrology, the Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle where each year is represented by an animal. Each of these animals is believed to influence the personality, relationships, and fortune of individuals born in their year. Some people use the zodiac for guidance on predictions, compatibility, and even decisions on their career and marriage.
How were the zodiac animals selected? One popular story, set in ancient China, tells of a “Great Race” organized by the Jade Emperor. To create a 12-year cycle time measurement for the people, the emperor invited animals to participate in a race which involved crossing a vast and treacherous river. The first 12 animals to cross the finish line would have a year of the zodiac named after them.
First came the clever / cunning rat who, along with the cat, hitched a ride on the good-natured and powerful ox, as both were not strong swimmers. Just as they approached the shore, the ungrateful rat jumped off the ox’s head and came in first, followed by the ox. The third animal was not the cat because during the crossing, the rat pushed the cat into the river, causing the cat to fall behind and ultimately lose the race. Since that betrayal, cats have been known to dislike water and hate rats. Tiger came in third, followed by Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and finally the Pig, who stopped for a snack and nap during the race, but woke up just in time to finish last.
A popular Canadian retelling of this story is a children’s picture book, The Great Race: The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac (1999) by David Bouchard and illustrated by Zhong-Yang Huang.
The Five Elements
In addition to the animal year one is born under, the zodiac includes the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Just as in animal years, each element is associated with distinct traits and behaviors. Each year is assigned both an animal sign and one element, resulting in a unique blend of both animal and elemental influences. At age 60, one has completed a 60-year cycle of five twelve-(animal) year rotations, and this significant milestone is often celebrated.
2025 is the year of the Wood Snake. According to infengshui.com, “people born under this sign are believed to possess strong intuition and are often seen as thoughtful and insightful individuals.”
May the Year of the Wood Snake bring you prosperity, good health, and joy. Happy Chinese / Lunar New Year 2025!
By Pat Parungao
