On January 29, 2025, the Year of the Wood Snake will begin, and designers and craftspeople the world over have released limited-edition products to help people celebrate. The elegant coiling patterns of the wood snake is unique among the animals of the zodiac – and has inspired artists for centuries.
What is Lunar New Year?
When is Lunar New Year 2025?
Lunar New Year 2025, which falls on January 29, 2025 marks the beginning of the Year of the Wood Snake in the Chinese zodiac.
What is the Lunar New Year animal 2025?
Lunar New Year 2025, which falls on January 29, 2025, marks the beginning of the Year of the Wood Snake in the Chinese zodiac. Each year in the Chinese zodiac is associated with one of the twelve animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig) and one of the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). The combination of the Wood element and the Snake signifies a year that is both introspective and transformative.
What is the meaning of the red envelopes that are given?
It is customary for elders, bosses and those who are married to give out lai see (red envelopes or packets) during Chinese New Year. Red packets filled with lucky money would also be given to children to place under their pillows in order to ward off evil spirits and wish for a healthy new year.*
What is a traditional Lunar New Year greeting?
The festivities commence with heartfelt greetings, such as “Kung Hei Fat Choi” (Wishing you prosperity) and “Sun Tai Gin Hong” (Wishing you good health).*
What are some Lunar New Year traditions?
Families gather on the eve of Chinese New Year to enjoy festive dishes such as poon choi, a traditional Cantonese casserole filled with layers of ingredients that symbolise luck and fortune, as well as foods associated with wealth such as fat choy (black moss) and dried oysters.*
Why do people exchange oranges during Lunar New Year?
Be particular about the fruit you eat over Chinese New Year. Tangerines and oranges are the perfect lucky treats to gift, display and eat over this period because of their bright colour which resemble golden ingots. The Chinese pronunciation for tangerines sounds like ‘success’ or ‘luck’.*
Best gifts to celebrate the Year of the Snake
Lunar New Year Gift Basket
Among other treats, included is a red envelope with chocolate ‘money’ inside to send luck for the new year ahead and an orange chocolate and caramel bar wrapped in authentic Japanese Chiyogami paper.
Price: $80.00shop now
Dried Fig, Walnut and Honey Lunar New Year Pudding
A pudding created by MICHELIN-starred chef Tang Chi Keung to celebrate the Lunar New Year, this pudding has a delicious mix of candied flavours dried Turkish figs and honey, balanced by roasted walnuts.
Price: $188.00shop now
Lunar New Year Honey Sesame Seed Brittle
Made in small batches in California’s Napa Valley, this savoury-sweet brittle is a delicious addition to Lunar New Year celebrations. The combination of honey, black and white sesame seeds and butter is a decadent treat.
Price: $42.95shop now
Limited-Edition Lunar New Year Chocolates
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Lunar New Year Gift Set Vertuo
The set includes two red porcelain Gran Lungo cups and six different flavours of Vertuo coffee capsules. An exclusive, limited-edition red tote bag and is also included.
Price: $102.00shop now
Year of the Snake Celebration Chili Oil Gift Set
Celebration Green Peppercorn Chili Oil is exclusive to Junzi’s collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its fresh, tangy flavour is a perfect balance to the intensity of Junzi’s Original Chili Oil.
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Chocolate Covered Dipped Fruits Assortment
Fruit, especially mandarin oranges, are an important celebratory gift for LNY. Exchanging oranges is about sharing prosperity and happiness. And there’s no chocolate-covered fruit better to send than from Compartés.
Price: $79.95 USDshop now
Year of the Snake Candy Tasting Collection
Each Zodiac sign has its own flavour and personality trait in this special-edition collection that includes 12 types of candies made by artisanal candy makers from around the world.
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Year of the Snake drinkware collection
Starbucks’ whimsical Lunar New Year collection is in a surprising pink palette. The cheerful ceramic mug mimics a coiled snake, while the straw of the cold cup is similarly adorned. Only available in stores.
Price: Prices start at $16.95 USD
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Lunar New Year Essential French Oven, 5.25 qt.
Made in France, Staub’s limited-edition enamelled cast-iron pot braiser features an embossed snake circling the lid, and is available in white or cherry red.
Price: $199.00 Sale Priceshop now