The Chinese zodiac is a cyclical system of 12 animals that represent different years with each animal having its own set of characteristics. The animal cyclically represented by the current year is considered to be of special significance. The zodiac traditionally begins with the sign of the Rat and progresses through the other 11 signs in order: Ox Tiger Rabbit Dragon Snake Horse Goat Monkey Rooster Dog Pig.
People born in a certain year are believed to share certain characteristics with the animal associated with that year. For example those born in a Year of the Dragon are thought to be brave and confident while those born in a Year of the Snake are considered to be wise and intuitive.
The Snake is the sixth of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Snake is associated with the Earthly Branch symbol 巳.
The Snake is sometimes referred to as the Little Dragon. In Chinese culture the Snake is seen as a cunning and wily creature and is often regarded as a symbol of wisdom.
The Snake is also associated with the element of water and is therefore considered to be a yin sign. The yin-yang principle is central to Chinese cosmology and the Snake is considered to be in opposition to the yang sign of the Dragon.
Those born under the sign of the Snake are thought to be intelligent and quick-witted but also prone to being somewhat jaded and world-weary. They are often skilled at diplomacy and have a reputation for being smooth talkers.
snakes are also seen as a symbol of good luck and are often used as a decorative motif in Chinese art and architecture.
In the Chinese zodiac the Snake is associated with the following years:
1905 1917 1929 1941 1953 1965 1977 1989 2001 2013 2025
