Embracing the Year of the Wood Snake: Japan’s understated approach to the Lunar New Year
While many Asian countries celebrate the Lunar New Year with grand festivals, Japan takes a more subtle and reflective approach. Historically, Japan followed the lunar calendar, but in 1873, it adopted the Gregorian calendar, aligning its official New Year celebrations with January 1st. Today, Shōgatsu (正月)—Japan’s traditional New Year festival—remains a deeply cherished time for families to gather, reflect, and decorate their homes with handmade crafts that symbolise renewal and good fortune.
Although Lunar New Year in Japan isn’t widely celebrated, the country still recognises the Chinese zodiac signs, which play a significant role in Japanese culture. These astrological symbols influence art, design, and even handcrafted goods, making them especially relevant for those who appreciate traditional and artisanal craftsmanship.
What 2025 Represents: The Year of the Wood Snake
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2025 is the Year of the Snake, specifically a Wood Snake year. The Snake sign is often associated with wisdom, intuition, transformation, and quiet strength—qualities that resonate deeply with artisans, creators, and those who embrace slow living. The Wood element adds another layer of meaning, symbolising growth, renewal, resilience, and natural beauty.
Together, the Wood Snake represents a year of patience, strategic thinking, and creative evolution. It’s a time for embracing new ideas while staying grounded in what truly matters. Just like an artisan refining their craft, the energy of 2025 encourages thoughtful progress, by experimenting with new artistic or intellectual endeavours , or simply allowing personal and professional growth to unfold naturally.
How to Embrace the Energy of 2025
For those passionate about crafts, handmade products, and traditional artistry, this year invites you to trust your instincts, explore new creative projects, and embrace transformation. It’s the perfect time to:
- Experiment with new materials and techniques – Whether it’s woodworking, ceramics, textiles, or calligraphy, 2025 is a great year to refine your skills.
- Support handmade and artisan crafts – The Wood Snake energy favours thoughtful, well-crafted goods that stand the test of time.
- Slow down and appreciate the creative process – Just like a carefully woven stitched piece or a hand-thrown ceramic bowl, beauty unfolds with patience.
The Wood Snake year reminds us that true artistry takes time. Whether in life or your creative expression, let 2025 be the year you work with intention, evolve with grace, and celebrate the beauty of the handmade.
Image credits: Aidrian Siaril (aerial snow), Ian Lai (snow window), Hiroko Nishimura (paper crane) on Unsplash,