Bidding farewell to the mythical Dragon, the world welcomes the Year of the Snake on January 29 — the first day of the Lunar New Year. For those who celebrate this ancient festival, starting the year on a positive note is essential.

Lunar New Year celebrations begin Wednesday. Here's everything to know about the 2025 Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake.

This week’s new moon, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, will signal the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which this year is called the "Year of the Snake."

Editor's note: The Chinese zodiac, or "shengxiao," consists of 12 animal signs that mark the years. Each animal represents one year in a repeating 12-year cycle, which is calculated based on the Chinese lunar calendar.

Chinese New Year 2025 begins on January 29 2025, ushering in the Year of the Snake, symbolising wisdom and transformation. Celebrate with vibrant Chinese New Year rituals, including red envelopes, feasts,

Chinese Lunar New Year 2025: 2025 is the Year of the Snake. The Lunar New Year is on January 29 and the celebrations end with Lantern Festival on February 12.

Although the rabbit was smaller than the other animals, it was clever and skilled at jumping, ultimately racing to secure fourth place. Folktales portray the rabbit as a symbol of gentleness, kindness and purity, which explains its ranking among the top five in the zodiac.