Slither into 2025: What the Year of the Snake means to people

THE arrival of 2025 marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake, a time steeped in symbolism and tradition for those who follow the Chinese zodiac.

In Chinese culture, each zodiac sign carries its own meaning and personality traits, influencing how people perceive the year ahead. The Snake, in particular, is associated with transformation, wisdom, and resilience — a creature known for shedding its skin as a sign of renewal and growth.

As the Year of the Snake begins, many wonder about its deeper meaning and how its traits resonate with them.

Does it serve as a catalyst for personal growth and change, or is it simply a tradition rooted in culture? While beliefs in zodiac predictions differ, the Snake’s symbolism often inspires reflection, motivating people to set new goals and embrace the year with a fresh outlook.

During a recent trip to Legoland Johor, Sinar Daily spoke to several visitors to find out their thoughts and hopes for the Year of the Snake.

For Johor Bahru native Cheryl, the Year of the Snake holds a deeply personal meaning. To her, it’s about embracing transformation and trusting her instincts.

"I find the zodiac sign to be fascinating, especially the Snake’s connection to intuition, elegance, and resilience.

"Personally, I relate to being adaptable and thoughtful, traits I see in others as well. They're often calm, strategic thinkers with an intriguing depth to them," she explained.

Although Cheryl doesn’t fully rely on zodiac predictions, she admitted that the symbolism of the Snake makes her pause and reflect. It inspires her to strive for her goals this year by letting wisdom and intuition guide her.

She also shared her love for Chinese New Year traditions, emphasising the importance of spending quality time with family, enjoying reunion dinners, and upholding customs like giving red packets and lighting firecrackers.

"While there aren't specific customs for the Year of the Snake, I see it as a time to reflect on personal growth, welcome new opportunities, and approach the year with patience and wisdom — just like the Snake," she added.

For others, the Snake symbolises renewal and self-improvement. Goh Lim, an engineer from Johor Bahru, mentioned how the Snake inspires him to address old habits.

"The Snake represents renewal. It's a time when things that have not been working for a while need to be addressed. For me, it's about letting go of old habits, like procrastination, and taking on new projects that have been sitting on my mind for months," he said.

Hui Xin Kwan, a customer service officer, shared how the Snake teaches patience and strategic action.

"This year, I'm focusing on improving my emotional intelligence and letting go of negative energy. I've realised that personal growth starts with how we manage our emotions," she shared.

Meanwhile, Daniel Lim, a sales officer, finds the Snake’s symbolism relevant to his professional life.

"I think of the Snake as a creature who is always evolving. In sales, you have to continuously adapt to the market. The Snake reminds me to keep evolving my strategies and not be afraid to try new things," he said.

As the Year of the Snake begins, it offers a chance for reflection, renewal, and growth.

Whether people believe in zodiac predictions or not, the essence of the Snake — its wisdom, adaptability, and grace — encourages individuals to embrace change and approach life with an open mind.

After all, the start of a new year is always a time to shed the old and welcome the new.