Happy New Year! It is 2013, the Year of the Snake.
Among all the 12 symbols of the zodiac, the snake is probably regarded as the most dubious; its flickering tongue, slimy skin, poisonous looking fangs and rather sneaky way of moving casts it in a most unfriendly and intimidating light. Whatever culture to which we are exposed, most of us are familiar with the snake as an omen of evil or misfortune, a creature of bad tidings.
However, because the snake regularly sheds its skin and renews itself, goes into hibernation in the winter to be “reborn” in the spring; these characteristics has also let it to be revered as a symbol of renaissance and immortality. Moreover, as the snake lays many eggs – hundreds at times – it also represents fertility, prosperity, and abundance.