Were you born in the year of the snake? If your birth year falls on 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, or 1929, you belong to one of the most fascinating signs in the Chinese zodiac! The snake symbolizes wisdom, charm, elegance and transformation. People born under this sign often get celebrated for their intuition, strategic thinking and intelligence.

In the Chinese zodiac, the snake comes sixth among the 12 animals. Each year of the snake features its unique element. And 2025 brings us the Year of the Wood Snake. Starting on January 29, 2025 (Chinese New Year) and lasting until February 16, 2026 (Chinese New Year’s Eve), the wood element highlights relationships, personal growth and the ability to overcome challenges. These qualities promise a year filled with steady progress and meaningful connections. Are you feeling curious about how to embrace the positive energy of 2025? Read on to explore the opportunities this transformative year holds!

Traditions, customs & festivities

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, belongs to one of the world’s most widely celebrated and culturally significant holidays. Leading up to festivities, families clean their homes thoroughly to “sweep away” any bad luck accumulated over the past year. Families come together for the Reunion Dinner on New Year’s Eve, enjoying dishes like dumplings and spring rolls for wealth, fish for abundance, and sticky rice cakes for prosperity. Modern celebrations may incorporate oranges and tangerines for good fortune, longevity noodles for long life, and whole chickens to symbolize family unity. On New Year’s Day, elders often follow the tradition to give red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money to younger family members as a gesture of good luck and blessings. Celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day, a vibrant night-time celebration where families carry lanterns of all shapes, colors, and sizes. Reds, purples, maroons, oranges, and gold are worn and used for decorations to enhance prosperity, as seen in Burberry’s New Year’s collection! 

Lucky colors to wear in 2025

In addition to these warm shades, much like the popularity of Wicked, green remains a signature color of the enigmatic Wood Snake. Calming, natural shades of green symbolize the Snake’s spirit and energy. Accessories offer a perfect way to incorporate greens, including Toteme’s sharp slingback pump or Simone Rocha’s multi-hued ring. Brown, in keeping with Pantone’s Color of the Year Mocha Mousse, embodies the grounding essence of the Wood element. Try Cult Gaia’s Paloma Bronze clutch or Dries Van Noten’s gorgeous brown earrings. Snake motifs and faux skin patterns often echo earthy shades, as seen in these walkable snake pumps. On Instagram, MAC Cosmetics recently showcased their limited-edition Lunar New Year collection with snakeskin embossing, colors, and holographic packaging!

Celebratory collaborations

If you are wondering how else to celebrate, try raising a glass! In addition to MAC, the world of fine liquors offers plenty of limited-edition releases, collaborating with global artists. Glenfiddich offers “A Gift for Great Encounters,” showcasing exclusive designs by contemporary ink artist Zhang Yu across their premium whisky range. In a fusion of fashion and luxury, Maison Hennessy released a’ Reimagination’ collection, all about renewal and positive transformation, leaving behind the past and embracing new beginnings. Vibrant, abstract interpretations of a snake writhe across the carafe designs, using ancient Chinese brocade patterns as inspiration to reflect the texture and scales of the snake’s body. 

The House of Rémy Martin has invited celebrated Chinese artist Huang Yuxing to create new artwork, as seen in their video, Majestic Serpentine, to welcome the new zodiac sign. Johnnie Walker has revealed a limited-edition Blue Label design, with a new bottle featuring artwork by Taiwanese-American visual artist James Jean. “The snakes are constantly growing, transforming, and adapting to changing conditions,” he says. For young and old alike, Disney California’s Lunar New Year festival (January 17 to February 16) returns with food and beverages, music, and snakes — eek!

Symrise realizes Lunar New Year celebrations with colors, foods and festivities inspire people worldwide. The new year inspires optimism as we share meals, light lanterns, and welcome blessings and opportunities. Weigh in below and let us know how you plan to ring in the Lunar New Year!

The post Lunar new year 2025: the year of the wood snake appeared first on always inspiring more....

Embracing diversity

Ready to celebrate Hispanic and Latinx cultures? Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) honors those who have inspired others to achieve greatness. This month kicks off on Sunday, September 15, marking the anniversary of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua’s independence from Spain in 1821. Mexico and Chile celebrate on September 16 and 18, and Belize followed on September 21.

The flags of Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba serve as powerful symbols during Hispanic Heritage Month. These nations represent the first independent Latin American nations. This month also pays tribute to the history, culture, and contributions of ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Celebrate by attending special exhibitions and programs at museums and cultural institutions. Check out local events like concerts, parades, festivals, and art exhibits. Ready to join in the festivities? Read on to learn more!

Shaping the future together

Curious about the theme for 2024? It follows the motto “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” This theme honors Hispanic history and looks to the future. Hispanic Star launched a 2024 Toolkit packed with messaging, data, and activities for the month. A downloadable Children’s Toolkit in Spanish and English for younger audiences featuring five fun lessons. This year also saw the Hispanic Star AI Announcement, a webinar designed to help businesses, brands, and individuals use unified messaging to reach a wider audience.

Ways to celebrate

Wondering how to get involved? There are plenty of fun ways to celebrate! Dive into Hispanic and Latino traditions like piñatas, Día de los Muertos, and quinceañeras.  Take a virtual or local tour of La Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s former home, or explore the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Latino. Gather friends and family for a game of  Lotería, Mexico’s version of Bingo. Enjoy vibrant and uplifting movies like Encanto, Coco, or Vivo!

Cultural cooking

Looking to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with delicious cooking? Sunset offers recipes that introduce adventurous eaters to incredible new flavors. Try the bright blend of citrus, avocado, and pumpkin seeds in a Citrus Salsa, perfect for dipping chips or tacos. Homemade Corn Tortillas or Basic Tamales offer a tasty upgrade from store-bought versions. Slow-cooker carnitas are “best eaten with a Mexican Coke.” And definitely try Fried Plantains—perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or dessert with ice cream!

Symrise has been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month for years. Explore dedicated stories that highlight and dive deep into Latino-American culture. How will you celebrate? Share your plans below!

The post Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: dive into traditions, tastes, and cultural triumphs appeared first on always inspiring more....