"It’s almost time to celebrate the Chinese New Year—also known as Lunar New Year and The Spring Festival—a festive time for those who follow the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Starting on January 29, 2025, Chinese and other Asian communities dance, give gifts, worship their ancestors, and pray. Each new lunar year, the symbol associated with the year changes according to the 12 different Chinese zodiac symbols. The Chinese zodiac of 2025 is the Year of the Snake.
Planning your family travels for this year? Our team is sharing everything parents need to know from trending destinations and where to stay to what to pack and our tried-and-true tips for traveling with kiddos.
Whether you’re expecting a baby in 2025 or are just curious about the fascinating world of the Chinese zodiac, I reached out to Dr. Jenelle Kim, a 9th-generation master herbalist, doctor of traditional Oriental medicine, and author to share her thoughts on what the Chinese zodiac means for the new little ones joining us this year. Keep reading for what the Chinese zodiac means for 2025 babies.
Dr. Jenelle Kim, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Dr. Kim is nationally board-certified in herbology, Oriental medicine, and acupuncture. She also been featured in Forbes, Allure, Meditation Magazine, Time, & Good Morning America.
What are the Chinese zodiacs?
Dr. Kim explained, “In Traditional Oriental Medicine, the Chinese Zodiac, or Shengxiao, holds a special place, representing a 12-year cycle with each year symbolizing an animal. Each animal is believed to bestow distinct characteristics and energies on individuals born in its year. Unlike Western astrology, which follows the solar calendar, the Chinese Zodiac is lunar-based.”
From the spirited Rat to the wise Ox, each Chinese zodiac sign carries its own set of qualities that shape the personality of those born under its influence. Here are some general traits and characteristics of each.
Dog (狗 – Gǒu)
1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018
Loyal, honest, and protective, symbolizing sincerity and reliability.
Pig (猪 – Zhū)
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, and 2019
Compassionate, diligent, and generous, symbolizing sincerity and contentment.
Rat (鼠 – Shǔ)
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, and 2020
Quick-witted, resourceful, and adaptable, representing intelligence and charm.
Ox (牛 – Niú)
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, and 2021
Diligent, dependable, and strong, symbolizing hard work and reliability.
Tiger (虎 – Hǔ)
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, and 2022
Brave, confident, and competitive, embodying courage and passion.
Rabbit (兔 – Tù)
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, and 2023
Gentle, quiet, and elegant, representing kindness and sensitivity.
Dragon (龙 – Lóng)
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, and 2024
Ambitious, charismatic, and innovative, a symbol of power and success.
Snake (蛇 – Shé)
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and 2025
Wise, intuitive, and graceful, representing intelligence and mystery.
Horse (马 – Mǎ)
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 and 2014
Energetic, free-spirited, and adventurous, symbolizing perseverance and vitality.
Goat (羊 – Yáng)
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, and 2015
Gentle, kind, and compassionate, symbolizing harmony and artistic sensibility.
Monkey (猴 – Hóu)
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, and 2016
Intelligent, witty, and playful, signifying cleverness and resourcefulness.
Rooster (鸡 – Jī)
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, and 2017
Punctual, hardworking, and confident, representing diligence and loyalty.
What’s special about the Chinese zodiac of 2025?
This year, Chinese New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29th, marking the Year of the Snake. Last celebrated in 2013, this Chinese zodiac animal has positive symbolism. The Year of the Snake is considered to be a great time for new beginnings, trying new things, and exploring new ventures.
In Chinese culture, the snake is celebrated to be a symbol of good fortune, spirituality, wisdom, and renewal.
Babies born in the Year of the Snake
Babies born in the Year of the Snake are often considered to be independent, resourceful, focused, and self-reliant. They tend to thrive under pressure, overcome obstacles and are calm—even graceful.
Though these characteristics and traits are rooted in the Chinese zodiac belief system, Dr. Kim said that it is “essential to recognize that these traits are just foundational influences. The environment, upbringing, and personal choices ultimately shape an individual’s journey.”
Babies born this year are in good company. Pablo Picasso, Bob Dylan, John F. Kennedy, J.K. Rowling, Mahatma Gandhi, and Taylor Swift were also born in the Year of the Snake.
Happy Lunar New Year!
Erin Celletti, Contributing Writer
Erin is an NYC-based writer with a BA in Journalism from Quinnipiac University and two master’s degrees in education. She is a proud mama to a little girl and a lifestyle, beauty, wellness, and trends reports writer. Beyond The Everymom, Erin’s editorial work has been featured in publications like Bustle, Allure, Byrdie, The Everygirl, TeenVogue, BRIDES, Sunday Edit, and TODAY.