The Lunar New Year Explained
If you are like me and work in fashion, you spent the last month tying up loose ends with your factories before "CNY," the Chinese New Year. This annual holiday period, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China and many other Asian cultures. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year and is celebrated with family gatherings, feasts, fireworks, and various cultural traditions. The celebration period typically lasts a few weeks, so it's essential to be aware of this holiday in the fashion world and work around it.
Some Lunar New Year traditions include cleaning the house a few days before the holiday to rid of the old energy and welcome in the new. Also, giving children money in red envelopes as it is believed it will keep evil from the children, keep them healthy, and give them a long life. Another tradition (and my favorite) is shopping for new clothes. This is symbolically in line with many other aspects of the festival, which emphasize the idea of change, new beginnings, and ridding of the old.
Each year is associated with one of the 12 chinese zodiac animals. For 2025, that means the year of the wood snake. But what exactly does that mean? We break it down below, plus we make some wellness trend predictions based on the vibe of the year of the snake. Enjoy!
"Be like a snake. Be nice to everyone, unless someone steps on you."
Year of the Wood Snake 🐍
If you are a swiftie, than you already know that Taylor Swift was born during a snake year. However, there are different types of snakes, 5 to be exact, in the calendar. Taylor, for example, being born in 1989, was born during the year of the Earth Snake. 2025 on the other hand is the year of the wood snake. So what does that mean?
The Snake is known for its wisdom, intuition, intelligence, mystery, and transformation . People born under this sign are often seen as strategic thinkers, charming communicators, and deep thinkers . They have a calm, composed exterior but are incredibly sharp and observant.
Each zodiac sign is influenced by one of the five elements, and 2025 is a Wood Snake year . Wood represents growth, flexibility, vision, and innovation . Combined with the Snake’s intelligence, this creates a year full of strategic opportunities, creative problem-solving, and steady personal growth .
Themes for 2025
- Innovation & Growth 🌱 – The Wood element encourages creativity, long-term planning, and new beginnings.
- Strategic Thinking 🧠 – The Snake is calculated and analytical , making this a great year for business, career moves, and financial planning .
- Inner Wisdom & Transformation 🔮 – A time for self-discovery, personal development, and deep reflection .
- Relationship Building 💕 – The charming and diplomatic nature of the Snake, combined with Wood’s cooperation , makes 2025 a good year for forming meaningful relationships and alliances.
- Adaptability & Patience 🐍 – The Snake moves deliberately and patiently , encouraging a more methodical approach to life rather than rushing into things.
Things to Expect
- 💼 Career & Business: A strong year for long-term planning, investments, and launching new projects . Strategic and well-thought-out decisions will pay off.
- 💰 Finances: A good year to save, invest wisely, and plan for the future rather than impulsive spending.
- ❤️ Relationships: Deep connections and meaningful relationships will flourish, but people will seek genuine connections rather than superficial ones .
- 🏡 Personal Growth: A great time for learning, personal development, and self-reflection . The Wood Snake energy supports those who want to evolve and transform.
- 🌏 Global Trends: Innovation, diplomacy, and sustainable development will be key themes, with technology and environmental progress taking center stage .
Lucky Symbols
- Lucky Colors: Green, Brown, Light Blue (representing growth, stability, and wisdom)
- Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 9
- Lucky Flowers: Orchid (I just regrew mine, feeling so lucky!)
- Lucky Days: The 1st and 6th of each lunar month
Year of the Snake Wellness Trends
1. Longevity & Biohacking: Smart Aging & Cellular Wellness
- With the Snake’s association with wisdom and longevity , anti-aging and cellular health will be major focuses.
-
Popular trends:
- Cold plunges & infrared sauna therapy (for inflammation and circulation)
- Red light therapy for skin, sleep, and cellular repair (IYKYK I'm obsessed with RLT)
- NAD+ supplements & adaptogens for energy and longevity
- Precision nutrition & DNA-based health plans (customized wellness)
2. Sensory Healing & Nervous System Regulation 🌿
- The Snake thrives in calm environments , and soothing the nervous system will be a major priority in 2025.
-
Trending practices:
- Vagus nerve toning (breathwork, cold exposure, and humming exercises)
- Sound healing & frequency therapy (singing bowls, binaural beats)
- Aromatherapy & scent therapy (natural perfumes, calming essential oils)
- Weighted blankets & acupressure mats (for relaxation)
3. Silent Retreats & Digital Detoxing 📵
- The Snake’s introspective nature aligns with stepping away from overstimulation .
-
Expect to see:
- Silent retreats & mindful travel (Bali, Japan, and secluded nature spots)
- Minimalist wellness spaces – clean, uncluttered environments for mental clarity
- Social media detoxes & screen-free experiences (YESSS to this)
- Journaling & deep reflection as core self-care habits
4. Transformational Wellness: Psychedelics & Deep Healing 🍄
- Snakes symbolize transformation & shedding the old , making mental health breakthroughs a key theme.
-
Growing interest in:
- Psychedelic-assisted therapy (microdosing psilocybin, ketamine therapy)
- Holotropic breathwork & somatic release therapy
- Hypnotherapy & subconscious reprogramming
- Deep trauma healing modalities (EMDR, tapping, shadow work)
5. Martial Arts & Slow, Intentional Movement 🥋
- The Snake moves with precision , inspiring intentional movement practices .
-
Trending fitness styles:
- Tai Chi & Qigong (energy-balancing martial arts)
- Pilates & barre for slow, controlled strength
- Animal flow & primal movement training (functional, flexible movement)
- Mobility & fascia release work (resistance stretching, foam rolling)
6. Herbal & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) 🌿
- The Wood Snake year aligns with ancient, wisdom-based healing, bringing a resurgence in:
- TCM herbs & teas for digestion, immunity, and stress relief
- Acupuncture & cupping therapy
- Mushroom-based supplements (lion’s mane, cordyceps, reishi)
- Ayurvedic & adaptogenic elixirs (ashwagandha, triphala, turmeric lattes)
7. Energy Healing & Spiritual Expansion 🔮
- Holistic, mystical practices will gain even more popularity as people look for soul alignment .
-
Trending modalities:
- Reiki & energy work for emotional and physical healing
- Human Design & astrology-based self-care
- Manifestation & subconscious reprogramming
- Chakra balancing & breath-based meditation
8. Smart Sleep & Circadian Rhythm Optimization 😴
- The Snake thrives at night , making restorative sleep a priority in 2025.
-
Sleep-enhancing trends:
- Infrared sleep masks & blackout environments
- Mouth taping & nasal breathing for better oxygenation
- Magnesium & GABA-based sleep supplements (I love a sleepy girl mocktail)
- Tech-free bedtime routines & natural light exposure
Happy New Year
The Year of the Wood Snake is a time of wisdom, transformation, strategy, and growth . Unlike fast-paced, impulsive years, this one calls for calculated moves, deep introspection, and slow, sustainable progress. With the Snake’s intelligent and mysterious nature, 2025 will be a year to shed old skin, embrace personal evolution, and refine every aspect of life.