2025: The Year of the Snake: Rebirth and Renewal
by Yukari Yamano
白蛇辨財天 Hakujya Benzaiten in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
The year 2025 is the Year of the Snake, one of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac. The Snake is the sixth animal in the zodiac cycle, and beyond simply representing a specific year, it carries deep meanings and traditions rooted in ancient beliefs.
The Origin of the Zodiac and the Snake
The origins of the twelve zodiac signs can be traced back to the Shang (殷) dynasty in ancient China. Initially, the zodiac was used as a system to indicate dates, times, and directions. The assignment of animals to each sign came later, during the Later Han (後漢) dynasty, when a scholar named Wang Chong (王充) is said to have introduced the idea of using familiar animals to make the zodiac more relatable. The Snake was assigned to the sixth sign, and its symbolic meaning have evolved over time.
The Symbolism and Meaning of the Snake Year
The character for "巳" in the Snake year has its roots in ancient pictographs representing the shape of a fetus. It is also thought to depict a snake emerging from hibernation, signifying awakening and renewal. The character is associated with meanings like "to arise," "to begin," and "to settle." According to the Chinese text Han Shu: Lu Li Zhi (漢書 律暦志) , the character "巳" also represents the peak of growth in plants, tying the zodiac to the natural cycle of growth and renewal.
Because of this, the Year of the Snake is considered a time when hard work comes to fruition and new beginnings emerge. Just as snakes shed their skin and grow, the Snake year is imbued with the symbolism of "rebirth and renewal." It is seen as a turning point, encouraging people to embrace change and embark on new challenges with positivity.
佐野七福神 磯山弁財天 白蛇弁天 Sano-shichifukuzin Isoyama-benzaiten Hakuja-benten in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
Snakes in Belief and Tradition
Snakes have long been revered as sacred beings in various cultures and belief systems. In Japan and China, they are often worshiped as deities of fertility and weather, playing a central role in agricultural and spiritual life. The natural resilience and vitality of snakes vitality have contributed to their sacred status. Snakes can survive extended periods without food and shed their skin in cycles, and this has led to them being used as symbols for longevity and regeneration.
In Japan, many shrines are dedicated to snakes. For instance, snakes are seen as the messengers of Benzaiten (弁財天) , a goddess of fortune and arts, and one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Benzaiten is closely associated with wealth, and it is a common tradition to keep a snake's shed skin in a wallet as a charm to attract financial prosperity. Shrines like Isoshima Benzaiten in Tochigi Prefecture honor snakes as divine symbols, reflecting the deep spiritual connection people have with these creatures.
What the Snake Year Brings
The imagery of "rebirth and renewal" tied to the Snake year makes it an ideal time to start new ventures. Additionally, the Japanese reading of "巳" as "mi" (which can also mean "fruit" or "fulfillment") leads to the idea that the Snake year is a "year of bearing fruit." It is said to be a time when past efforts bear tangible results, creating a strong foundation for new endeavors and challenges.
Snakes in Language and Culture
Snakes are deeply embedded in Japanese language and culture, appearing in idioms and sayings. For example, the term 蛇足 (literally, "adding legs to a snake") originates from a Chinese fable and is used to describe something unnecessary or redundant. Similarly, the proverb 蛇の道は蛇 ("The snake knows the snake's path") implies that people of the same kind are familiar with each other's ways. These expressions demonstrate how snakes have influenced human thought and storytelling across history.
The Year of the Snake: Rebirth and Renewal
The Year of the Snake is far more than just one of the twelve zodiac signs. Its symbolism of "rebirth and renewal" and "bearing fruit" connects it to profound cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. The snake’s ability to shed its skin and grow reminds us of the importance of embracing new challenges and changes without fear. I hope the Year of the Snake will offer an opportunity to build on past efforts and take bold steps toward a fresh chapter in your life!
Yukari Yamano is the Events Coordinator at the Seattle Japanese Garden.