Chinese New Year 2013; Year of The Snake May Bring 'Political Turbulence,' Astrologer Says

Chinese New Year 2013 is fast approaching and millions of Americans are preparing for the Lunar festival. Sunday, Feb. 10 marks the beginning of Chinese New Year 2013 with the year of the snake. Recent years of the snake brought great turmoil and political distress around the world. Experts discuss what can be expected from the snake in 2013?

"In Chinese mythology, snakes were often associated with monsters, or with incarnations of monsters, so some political turbulence can be expected," Taiwanese astrologer, Tsai Shang-chi, said.

Recent Chinese New Year of the Snake were in 1989 and 2001. Pro-democracy protests were attacked by Chinese forces in Tienanmen Square in Beijing. And in 2001, the September 11 attacks occurred.  

News.com reports that couples in China have been trying to schedule pregnancies so that their child may not be born during the year of the snake. 

Store owners also admit that souvenirs of the snake for Chinese New Year have been difficult to sell. 

"Last year, our business was a lot better, because everybody loves the dragon, whatever his or her animal sign," Lin Peixiang, owner of  the Beixiang Souvenir Factory in the city of Wenzhou, said.

"This year, business is a lot worse, because only those born in the year of the snake love the animal. The snake sign is a symbol of fear. People get scared when they see or hear the snake." 

Although most people are associating this Chinese New Year with negativity they are some bright aspects. Hong Kong feng shui master, Raymond Lo points out the variety of snake types that each year brings. Since this year is a water snake, it may be milder and less dangerous than the other kinds. 

"It's more moderate, humble and patient," Lo said of this year's snake, adding that he sees a possibility for economic growth. 

However, Lo still warns that people should be wise against the snake. He suggests wearing monkey pendants around the neck. "The monkey is the only animal that really knows how to handle the snake," Lo said. 

Lo adds that this year will be one slow progress unlike the dragon. "Unlike dragons that make abrupt, attention-getting moves, snakes take slow and steady steps," he said.

The snake is the 6th animal in the Chinese zodiac which consists of 12 animals. 

Chinese New Year 2013 features the most "enigmatic, intuitive, introspective, refined and collected" of all the animal signs, HanBan.com states. "This 2013 year of Snake is meant for steady progress and attention to detail. Focus and discipline will be necessary for you to achieve what you set out to create," The website continues to explain, according to Chinese tradition. 

HanBan.com also explains that according to ancient Chinese wisdom, it is a good omen to have a snake in your house because it means your household will not starve. 

People born during the year of the snake are said to be "acute, aware, cunning," US Bridal Guide reports.

Take a look if you are part of the Chinese New Year of the Snake below. (credit: Wikipedia.com)

4 February 1905 - 24 January 1906:  Wood Snake

23 January 1917 - 10 February 1918:  Fire Snake

10 February 1929 - 29 January 1930:  Earth Snake

27 January 1941 - 14 February 1942:  Metal Snake

14 February 1953 - 2 February 1954:  Water Snake

2 February 1965 - 20 January 1966:  Wood Snake

18 February 1977 - 6 February 1978:  Fire Snake

6 February 1989 - 26 January 1990:  Earth Snake

23 January 2001 - 11 February 2002:  Metal Snake

10 February 2013 - 30 January 2014:  Water Snake

29 January 2025 - 16 February 2026:  Wood Snake

15 February 2037 - 3 February 2038:  Fire Snake

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chinese new year 2013
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