Snakes in the Wood

It’s almost time to say goodbye to the Year of the Dragon (龙) and welcome the arrival of the Year of the Wood Snake (蛇) that will begin on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. If one believes in horoscopes, it is noteworthy that J. K. Rowling is a Wood Snake and that Voldemort’s most beloved companion, Nagini, was a woman turned into a snake due to a curse for twenty years.

Barbarella fends off killer snakes in a panel from Jean-Claude Forest’s original strip.

Cosmos and Metacosmos

2020 is the Year of the Metal Rat, beginning on January 25, 2020, and ending on February 11, 2021. The Rat is the first animal in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac, and its Year symbolises a time of deep transformations, both on personal and professional fronts. Photo: Vladimir Astapkovich/Sputnik.

Pigs with Wings

A folk artist makes dough figurines of pigs holding couplets to greet the Year of the 豬 (Pig) in 临沂 (Línyí), 山东省 (Shāndōng province), China. Photo: VCG/Getty Images.

Dog Day Night

Performers take part in a street parade to mark the Lunar New Year celebrations for the Year of the Dog in 香港 (Hong Kong), China. Photo: AFP/Anthony Wallace.

戌 (Dog)

14-year-old male sea lion Chen writes the Chinese character 戌 (dog) at the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise (八景島シーパラダイス) aquarium in Yokohama (横浜), Japan to mark the imminence of the Year of the Dog which will begin on February 16, 2018. Photo: Aflo/Rex/Shutterstock.