When is Chinese New Year 2025, what is the animal and what does it mean for the coming year?
The city is gearing up for quite a party with preparations now under way for the annual Chinese New Year celebrations.
As previously reported, Chinatown Newcastle has now confirmed its main celebration will be on Sunday, February 2 and families no doubt can expect a packed day of entertainment, including the city centre procession with its lion and dragon dances, music and activities around Stowell Street. Chinese New Year - Lunar New Year as it is termed in countries including Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia - is a whole festival and actually begins this year on January 29, so the timing of some communities' main celebrations may differ.
Our Chinese community has a long and proud tradition in Newcastle, having flourished since the arrival of families from China in the early 1970s. The North East Chinese Association, which is based at premises in Stowell Street, was first established in 1982 to assist the immigrant population and now acts as a custodian of the country's vibrant culture - one of the oldest in the world.
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It uses such occasions as Chinese New Year as an opportunity to more widely share its traditions, food and arts, from calligraphy to music, and the nearby Ceremonial Arch - funded with help from the Chinese community - is a focal point for the celebrations. But what are these all about, what do animals have to do with them and what do they tell us about the coming year?
Well, 2025 is the Year of the Snake - the wood snake to be precise - and here, as we approach the start of its year, we answer some of the questions around it and its place in Chinese culture.
When is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year this year begins on January 29 (earlier than last year when it started in February) and traditionally there are around 15 days of celebrations.
What is the Chinese New Year 2025 animal and why is it an animal at all?
Chinese New Year lasts for about two weeks and is based on the lunar calendar which is why the date can change each year. This year is the year of the wood snake which, while a reptile, is still an animal.
The Chinese calendar is based upon a 12-year zodiac cycle - a system used for around 2,000 years - and animals represent the years, possibly because zodiacs originally involved the worship of animals. The cycle repeats itself and people can work out which animal marked the year of their birth so, for instance, the last year of the snake was 12 years ago: 2013.
Those born during the year of whatever animal applies, are said to take on some of its specific characteristics.
What does it mean if your year comes around?
It can be seen as a challenge. Many of the New Year celebrations involve symbols and tokens of luck to ward away any misfortune and red is seen as a lucky colour and is a big part of the festivities, featuring in everything from lanterns to the lion dance.
Tell us more about the year of the snake
The year of the 'wood snake' - there are also metal, earth and fire snakes - starts on January 29, 2025 and will last until February 16, 2025. The snake is sixth in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs ( following on from last year's dragon - the only fictitious creature among the zodiac animals).
The poor snake has a bit of a mixed bag of meanings, including being untrustworthy, evil and scary, However, in ancient Chinese traditions, the snake once was venerated in some areas of the country people still believe that a snake can bring good luck.
They can also represent wisdom and protection and with this year is governed by wood, one of the Five Elements in Chinese culture which add characteristics, this element adds creativity too. While there are various accounts to be found, the Travel China Guide website outlines certain traits of those born in the year of the snake.
It suggests they are rational, calm, thoughtful and loyal to the loved ones.
Lucky numbers: Two, eight and nine
Lucky colours: Red, light yellow and black
Lucky flowers: Orchid and cactus
Lucky directions: North East - which has got to be good news for locals - as well as south-west and south
It says the 'unlucky' things to be avoided are the numbers one, six and seven; the colours white, gold and brown and the direction north-west.
What other animals are there?
The other 11 animals are the pig; rat; ox; rabbit; tiger; dog; dragon; horse; goat/sheep; monkey and rooster. If you don't know what animal you are, you can work out here.
According to the Chinese New Year website there is a legend about their placement in the zodiac. It says the Jade Emperor was choosing 12 animals to be his palace guards. A Cat was keen to sign up and asked his neighbour, a Rat, to help him but Rat forgot which is why they became sworn enemies.
So, Ox was first in the queue at the palace but the Rat secretly climbed onto his back and jumped in front. The Ox is ranked second on the zodiac as it helped the Rat before being tricked by it.
The Dragon and Tiger were both annoyed having to settle behind the Ox, then the Rabbit raced the Dragon and beat him, which next annoyed the Dog which bit the Rabbit and was sent to the back as punishment. The Snake finally comes into play as it, the Horse, Goat, Monkey and Rooster all fought amongst themselves for a place.
One version says the sneaky Snake hid behind the Horse’s foot and its sudden appearance scared the big animal. It took advantage of this and slithered into sixth place, leaving the Horse in seventh.
Once all the fuss was over, the Pig arrived late, linked to its fondness for sleeping, and had to take last position. The site adds: "Of course, this is only a story. Cats didn't even exist in China when zodiac animals first came about."