MORE than one billion people are set to celebrate Chinese New Year this week.
And according to the Chinese Zodiac, the animal associated with your birth year can reveal a lot about your personality and what is written in the stars for the year ahead.
2025 is the year of Wood Snake which is a charming, intelligent and creative sign.
It is the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac with a complex and mysterious nature.
It will be a year of death and rebirth, a time of transformation, growth and introspection.
The year of the Wood Snake will continue until February 16, 2026 after a 12-lunar cycle when the year of the Horse is set to begin.
Here, we break down the signs and reveals what’s in store for you over the coming months.
RAT
Born: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
THIS year, there’ll be more opportunities than usual as 2025 is promising a lot for you. You’ll have a lot of room for career growth.
Your quick-thinking and unique perspectives will lead you to make successful choices, along with building positive relationships with friends, family and colleagues.
Lucky months: January, February, April, August, November and December
Lucky colour: Green, blue and gold
Lucky numbers: 2, 3 and 6
OX
Born: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
THIS year will be steady and successful for you. Thanks to your hard work, the Snake – your astrological friend – will do all to point you in the right direction.
Love and peaceful relationships are also in the air this year. You’ll be rewarded for your diligence and hard work.
Lucky months: January, May, September and December
Lucky colours: White, yellow and silver
Lucky numbers: 1, 4 and 7
TIGER
Born: 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
THIS year is set to have a few challenges for you. Be cautious and watch your own back against any unscrupulous individuals.
This is not the best year to start a new business, but stay positive and keep working hard. You’ll be able to grab good opportunities this year, and handle your finances well.
Lucky months: March, April, June, October and November
Lucky colours: Orange, blue, and grey
Lucky numbers: 1, 3 and 8
RABBIT
Born: 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
THIS year will bring new opportunities supported by strong luck – and things will fall into place easily.
This is not the best year to start a new business, but stay positive and keep working hard. You’ll be able to grab good opportunities this year and handle your finances well.
Lucky months: February, April, July and October
Lucky colours: Pink, purple, and green
Lucky numbers: 3, 4 and 9
DRAGON
Born: 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
THIS is a year of recovery for you. You’ll experience a year full of positivity, success and financial stability.
It will be a very sociable year, and communication is the key to establishing new contacts for future projects. It is also a good year to focus on family responsibilities.
Lucky months: February, August, September and December
Lucky colours: Gold, silver, and red
Lucky numbers: 1, 6 and 7
SNAKE
Born: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
THIS is your year. Be positive and flexible to overcome any setbacks you find on the way.
You’ll enjoy a strong career luck. You should also avoid any negativity, and you’ll handle the year with confidence in every situation.
Lucky months: January, June, July, September and January (2025)
Lucky colours: Black, green, and red
Lucky numbers: 2, 8 and 9
HORSE
Born: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
HORSES may look forward to a stellar year as luck is on your side. You’ll find success in both your career and relationships.
Focus on new adventures that involved movement and travel. Treat others well and be willing to step up as you have the luck to come first.
Lucky months: February, April, May, July and October
Lucky colours: Yellow, orange, and brown
Lucky numbers: 2, 4 and 7
GOAT
Born: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
THIS year promotes self-investment and being willing to embrace a change of direction.
Your luck is in your own hands in 2025. And travel can improve it. Seek support if needed, and don’t hold back if any air needs clearing.
Lucky months: March, June and November
Lucky colours: Green, pink, and white
Lucky numbers: 3, 4 and 9
How will Chinese New Year be celebrated in 2025?
CELEBRATED across the world, Chinese new year is a period of colourful decorations and feasting.
The event is usually celebrated with parades and performances, with people in traditional costumes and plenty of fireworks.
It is also a time for prayers for good fortune in the year ahead.
In line with the introduction of the spring season, people plant harvests and eat lavish feasts.
Noodle soup is the traditional meal of choice as the noodles are believed to bring luck.
Communal hotpots are also a popular option for a feast as they are thought to represent the reunion of family members around the table.
The Lunar calendar has 12 Chinese zodiac animal signs and as 2025 will be a year of the Wood Snake, decorations related to snakes will be commonly seen.
People deep clean their homes before the New Year as it is bad luck to sweep your home on the day itself in case good luck for the year is swept out of the house.
Money and presents are also given and received in red envelopes and packaging to ward off evil.
It is a seven day public holiday in China.
Businesses and schools shut down during the New Year period – like they do in the Ireland over the Christmas period – and many factories have a two-week shutdown.
Beyond China, families in Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, North Korea and South Korea also celebrate the event.
It is widely believed that more fireworks are set off across the world for this festival than any other.
MONKEY
Born: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
MONKEYS may look forward to a solid year. It will be a good 12 months to close some deals as a wealth of luck is on your side.
You can expect financial growth, new connections and travel opportunities. Be motivated through the year, as your decisions in 2025 may be important to the next chapter of your life.
Lucky months: April, May, August, September, October and December
Lucky colours: White, blue, and gold
Lucky numbers: 1, 7 and 8
ROOSTER
Born: 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
THIS year is shaping up to be a great one for you as your wealth luck is strong. Be ready to invest in yourself and your personal growth.
It is a great year to make changes and be ready for unexpected blessings and meaningful relationships.
Lucky months: April, May, August, October and January (2026)
Lucky colours: Yellow, brown, and orange
Lucky numbers: 5, 7 and 8
DOG
Born: 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
DOGS may look forward to a steady and rewarding year ahead after a challenging astrological clash in 2024.
2025 may be a stress-free year. Your hard work will lead to success in both your career and relationships.
Be ready for a new career position or partnership that will put you more on an equal footing.
Lucky months: February, March, June, August, September and October
Lucky colours: Red, green, and purple
Lucky numbers: 3, 4 and 9
PIG
Born: 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
THIS year may bring some challenges after a good run of luck since 2023.
Stay positive, and you’ll be able to navigate the year successfully.
Lucky months: February, March and June
Lucky colours: Pink, yellow, and grey
Lucky numbers: 2, 5 and 8
