We wish our Chinese readers a very happy and prosperous New Year

The Year of the Wooden Snake is said to be mysterious, determined, charismatic and wise – and maybe a little sceptical, or even obstinate. For some of our readers not familiar with the Chinese zodiac calendar: the Snake is the sixth of the 12-year cycle of animals in the Chinese zodiac. The legend has it the Jade Emperor called the race to create the zodiac and all animals were invited to participate for a chance to be featured in the zodiac system. The first 12 animals to cross the river and the finish line would earn a place in the lunar calendar and in the order they completed the race.

“The Rat – by taking a ride on the back of the Ox – completed the race first, because the Rat jumped ahead of the Ox at the finish line.

“The Pig, who needed to eat and take a few naps along the way, came last. Hence the order of the 12-animal cycle is: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.”

According to Professor Jing Han, Director of Western Sydney University’s Institute for Australian and Chinese Arts and Culture ‘The Year of the Snake means – as well as what the year ahead may hold for those born under this auspicious animal in the Chinese zodiac “The Snake is associated with wisdom, charm, elegance, and transformation. People born in the Year of the Snake are mysterious, charismatic, intuitive, calm, strategic, positive, wise, determined, intelligent, goal-oriented, responsible and graceful.

“They are deep thinkers, good at problem solving and excellent communicators, although they can also be indifferent, sceptical, possessive, and obstinate.”

Professor Han said in Chinese culture and philosophy, the eternal Five Elements govern the phenomena occurring in the natural world. These are Fire, Wood, Metal, Water and Earth and they also affect the characteristic traits of the zodiac animals.

“This year, it is Wood, so Wood Snake are said to be precise, cool-headed, creative, and have logical thinking,” she said.

“The Snake is also called ‘Little Dragon’, hence the Year of the ‘Little Dragon’ refers to the Year of the Snake. That is because the Snake shares the appearance and mysterious qualities of the Dragon and it is believed that the mythical figure of the Dragon has originally been modelled on the Snake.” Source: WSU