Our Chatswood Year of the Snake design
2025 is the Year of the Snake in the lunar calendar. The snake is the sixth animal in the twelve zodiacs. 2025 is a wood snake. It represents wisdom, talent, and charm. It is associated with intelligence, intuition, and insight, symbolising the improvement of luck and the arrival of success.
Among the twelve zodiac animals, the snake is perhaps the most complex. The Chinese people have a mix of contradictory feelings towards snakes. In ancient times, when humans had limited means to resist natural invasions, snakes posed great danger and were often feared. Yet, due to their mysterious and powerful nature, they were also sacred and worshipped. In Chinese mythology, the god Fuxi and goddess Nuwa, are depicted with human heads and snake bodies.
The snake embodies both spirituality and holiness, as well as coldness and femininity. Over time, it has evolved into a cultural symbol within Chinese thought, representing mysterious spirituality, adaptability, and strong vitality. The snake itself is a symbol of life.
The zodiac of the snake is sometimes referred to as a ‘little dragon’. According to the folklore: A spirit snake is broken but can continue. It flies without wings and walks without feet. It soars into the sky and flows down the mountains. This spirit snake is born into the dragon clan. This highlights the important position of snakes in Chinese culture.
I carved the body of the snake with metaphorical symbols of plants, fire, and water, representing its ability to transform, renew, and grow continuously. The characteristics of the snake emphasise adaptability, especially in the era of artificial intelligence development. It embraces challenges and new adventures, including effective collaboration with innovative applications and intelligent robots. I first hand-cut the snake, then utilise technology to create a digital image for manipulation and multiple productions. In the center of the snake, a coin represents abundant wealth attained in harmony from all directions. A ruyi pattern forms its tongue.
2025 snake will represent the sun and fire. The strong energy associated with fire in that year signifies advancements in science, foreseeing breakthroughs in technology, art, and culture.
The colours of the snake reflect the continuity of traditional Chinese culture while acknowledging the transformative effect of modern times. Red is the dominant colour, symbolising luck, happiness, and joy. It represents protection, vitality, and celebration. Glamorous gold signifies luxury, success, achievement, and wealth.
The snake comes every 60 years. People born in the year of the snake: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025.
Artist - Tianli Zu
Good fortune motifs
Auspicious water
These patterns symbolise wisdom, power, and grace. Water is one of the five elements from ancient Chinese philosophy, interacting between yin and yang, and between various phenomena. Water produces wood.
Fire
This brings civilisation and development to mankind, along with light and wisdom. Mythical creatures often display fire patterns on their bodies to demonstrate strength and power. Fire is one of the five elements. Wood produces fire.
Ruyi
An ancient auspicious symbol representing power, peace, and happiness. In Chinese, ‘ruyi’ is a homophone for ‘as [you] wish.’ Ruyi is the sacred flower of the Buddhists embodying the deep desire for the fulfillment of one’s wishes and aspirations.
Coins
These are often associated with wealth. However, according to Chinese tradition, ancient Chinese coins symbolise harmony. The round shape represents heaven, and the square represents earth.
Plum blossom
The symbol of vitality, hope, and renewal. It is associated with good health, resilience, and perseverance.