2025 is the Year of the Blue Snake.
Our Lee Eun-hee tells us what this means, and shares New Year’s wishes from people around the world.
“As we step into 2025, South Korea is embracing the energy of a new lunar year-one that carries the mystique of the Blue Snake. But as the calendar turns, it’s not just the animals of the zodiac that are shifting; it’s also the hopes and dreams of the people. From bold aspirations to heartfelt wishes, let’s take a look at what the people here in South Korea are wishing for in this year of transformation.”
“I haven’t been here for 10 years, just getting back, so it makes me wanna come to Korea more.”
“My New Year’s wish is to eat a lot of Tteokbokki.”
“2024 felt really boring, but by the end, I met a beautiful girlfriend. I hope we stay happy together for a long time.”
“I have two sons, and my New Year’s wish is for them to live a healthy and happy life.”
“Eun-ho, Ji-ho, stay healthy!”
2025 is represented by the snake.
Each year is represented by one of the twelve animals of the zodiac, meaning those born in the Year of the Snake, 12 years apart, share the same zodiac sign.
For many, wishes and aspirations for the coming year are similar.
“In 2025, I’ll be 73 and born in the Year of the Snake. I don’t have any special wishes-just staying healthy is all I hope for.”
Over a 60-year cycle, each zodiac animal appears five times, each time with a different color.
With 2025 marking the Year of the Blue Snake, the National Folk Museum of Korea is holding a special exhibition that explores the symbolism and ancient customs surrounding the snake, an animal seen as both a symbol of wisdom and a sacred yet fearsome force.
Ancient artifacts and tools adorned with snake shapes or patterns provide a glimpse into the symbolic meaning of snakes in past cultures.
Often seen as a frightening creature, snakes were believed to be driven away by scented pendants filled with musk or by fire holders.
In other times, snakes were used in traditional medicine and as a health tonic, as promoted in old advertisements.
Also, snakes were often seen as symbols of evil or punishment, like Medusa in Greek mythology, where the snakes in her hair represented a number of things including evil, punishment, and power.
For this exhibition, the museum expanded its focus to the cultural heritage of other countries, showcasing artifacts like a snake guardian deity carving from the Baga people of Guinea, along with other ritualistic items.
The exhibition highlights how snakes were symbolized and used in various ancient cultures.
While 2025 is the Year of the Snake, the fortune for every zodiac sign is bright.
May the coming year bring smooth paths and fulfillment to everyone.
Wishing you a wonderful and prosperous year ahead,
Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.
Source : Arirang TV, https://www.arirang.com/news/view?id=279543
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