Chinese Zodiac-Year of the Snake

The Year of the Snake (蛇年) is one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. Each year corresponds to one of the animals in a 12-year cycle, and the Year of the Snake falls under the Earthly Branch “Si” (巳). In the Gan-Zhi (干支) system of year designation, the Snake year recurs every 12 years, combining with different Heavenly Stems (天干) to create a 60-year cycle.

The Snake is ranked sixth in the Chinese zodiac, positioned between the Dragon and the Horse.

Symbolism of the Snake

In Chinese culture, the Snake symbolizes wisdom, alertness, and change. Its natural ability to shed its skin and hibernate is seen as a metaphor for death and rebirth, imbuing it with an air of mystery. The Snake‘s cleverness in hunting and its strategic movements have led to its association with intelligence and agility. Moreover, the Snake is recognized for its resilience and adaptability to harsh environments.

The Snake‘s role as one of the twelve zodiac animals dates back to ancient totem worship in Chinese culture. In early matriarchal societies, the Snake was revered as a symbol of vitality and fertility. Over time, with the rise of patriarchal systems, the Snake’s totem worship gradually evolved into the Dragon, which eventually became the national symbol of China.

Year of the Snake and Its Influence

The Year of the Snake in Chinese Culture

The Year of the Snake is seen as a time full of change and challenges, making it an ideal period for reforms and innovation. Despite the decline in the worship of the Snake as a totem, its cultural influence remains strong, particularly in fortune-telling, feng shui (geomancy), and folk customs. In many traditional celebrations and practices, the Snake still plays an important role in Chinese culture.

Basic Information about the Year of the Snake

Years of the Snake

The Year of the Snake corresponds to the following years in the Gregorian calendar:

• 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037, 2049, 2061, 2073, 2085, 2097.

How to Determine the Year of the Snake

To identify the Year of the Snake, divide the Gregorian year number by 12 and check if the remainder is 9.

For example:
2013 ÷ 12 = 167 remainder 9
Thus, 2013 is the Year of the Snake.

Related Events of the Year of the Snake

Stamps

While the actual Snake has not been featured prominently on Chinese stamps, it has appeared twice in folk culture-themed stamps. For example, in 1989, a stamp was issued to commemorate the Year of the Snake (T133), which depicted a snake holding Lingzhi (灵芝), coiled in a spiral shape, surrounded by flowers like peonies, lotus, chrysanthemums, and plum blossoms—symbols of peace and prosperity.

Additionally, in 2001, a stamp featuring the Snake was released as part of the zodiac series, and Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau also issued their own Snake-themed zodiac stamps.

Commemorative Coins

The People’s Bank of China issued a series of gold and silver commemorative coins for the 2013 Year of the Snake. This set included 15 coins, with 8 gold coins and 7 silver coins. A special ordinary commemorative coin with a face value of 1 yuan was also released, depicting a boy holding a toy snake and a girl flying a kite. The design symbolizes playfulness and youth.

Famous People Born in the Year of the Snake

Many notable figures were born in the Year of the Snake, including:

• Mao Zedong (1893)

• Xi Jinping (1953)

• Lu Xun (1881)

• Song Qingling (1893)

• Chen Yun (1905)

• Wang Yi (1953)

• Zhao Kezhi (1953)

• Yang Jing (1953)

Among many others, individuals born in the Year of the Snake are often celebrated for their leadership, intellect, and contribution to society.

Snake Culture in China

The Snake in Chinese Folklore and Mythology

Despite its somewhat fearsome appearance, the Snake was once considered a benevolent symbol in ancient Chinese folk culture. In particular, the Snake was worshipped as a totem by early Chinese societies and represented life-giving forces.

According to ancient myths, the ancestor gods Fuxi (伏羲) and Nuwa (女娲), both depicted as human-headed snakes, are believed to have created humanity. These figures are often seen in ancient murals and paintings, such as those found in the Mawangdui Han Tombs (马王堆汉墓) in Hunan. The snake figure also appears as a symbol of wisdom and creation in various legends.

The famous Legend of the White Snake (白蛇传), one of China’s Four Great Folklore Tales, tells the story of a white snake that transforms into a beautiful woman, Bai Suzhen, after practicing magic for a thousand years. This myth highlights the positive and transformative aspects of the snake in Chinese culture. Bai Suzhen is a symbol of love and devotion, admired in both folklore and Chinese drama.

Snake in Modern Times

Though the Snake is often feared due to its appearance, it has also played an important protective role. In some rural Chinese villages, people view snakes as guardians of safety. For instance, in the Sanping Village (三坪村) of Fujian Province, snakes are revered as symbols of protection and often enter homes to provide good luck and ward off evil spirits.