The snake is the symbol of yin or female energy in the Universe. The Snake is the sixth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which
consists of 12 Animal Signs. It is the most enigmatic, intuitive,
introspective, refined and collected of all the animals in the Chinese Zodiac.
2013 is the year of the black Snake. It begins on February 10th shortly after the New Moon in Aquarius.
This 2013 year of Snake is meant to be a year of steady progress and attention to detail. Focus and discipline will be necessary for you to achieve what you set out to create. But be careful because the Year of the Snake may bring you many difficult puzzles and mysteries that will not be easy to solve.
Ancient Chinese wisdom says a Snake in the house is a good omen because it means that your family will not starve.
Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade. The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements.
2013 is the year of the black Snake. It begins on February 10th shortly after the New Moon in Aquarius.
This 2013 year of Snake is meant to be a year of steady progress and attention to detail. Focus and discipline will be necessary for you to achieve what you set out to create. But be careful because the Year of the Snake may bring you many difficult puzzles and mysteries that will not be easy to solve.
Ancient Chinese wisdom says a Snake in the house is a good omen because it means that your family will not starve.
Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade. The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements.
The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. In order to "catch up" with the solar calendar the Chinese insert an extra month once every few years (seven years out of a 19-yearcycle). This is the same as adding an extra day on leap year. This is why, according to the solar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year. New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving.
The celebration was traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household and the family ancestors. The sacrifice to the ancestors, the most vital of all the rituals, united the living members with those who had passed away. Departed relatives are remembered with great respect because they were responsible for laying the foundations for the fortune and glory of the family.
Wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous Year of the Snake - Dominique
By Dominique Teng
Dominique Teng©2013
Image source unknown but greatly appreciated