Latest news with #JonathanH.X
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Where your 2025 Chinese zodiac wants you to travel this year
Happy Lunar New Year! If you're unfamiliar with the concept, the lunar calendar is follows the moon's 12 phases, with each phase lasting approximately 29 days and the full calendar lasting 354 days. Lunar New Year is observed primarily in Asian countries such as China (chūnjié), Vietnam (Tết), South Korea (Seollal), Malaysia (Tahun Baru Cina), and many more. The Lunar calendar also operates on a 12-year cycle, and each year has a symbolic animal sign. 2025 is the Year of the Snake, specifically the wood snake. But what does that mean? The snake is the 6th animal in the Chinese zodiac and represents the "midpoint, symbolizing balance — or the need for it — in one's life," according to Jonathan H.X. Lee, a professor of Asian and Asian American folklore, religions and culture at San Francisco State University. It is a time for shedding the old and transforming into the new, which can be both empowering and freeing, but also disruptively jarring at times. Wood is associated with both trees and fire, so the wood snake specifically possesses qualities that represent both of those characteristics such as growth and tolerance but also passion and brightness. Vicki Iskandar, Chinese astrology and Feng Shui expert, predicts that the year of the Yin Wood Snake will bring a highly creative, collaborative and exciting year across the board — but also unpredictable. "This is a year to explore, get inspired, and share your light." Advertisement But what does that mean for travel specifically? Hong Kong based feng shui consultant Thierry Chow says 'Year 2025 will be very different. The Snake — with a strong fire element, along with some metal and earth elements — is a zodiac sign that can cause significant clashes and conflicts. We need to be mindful of accidents as we approach the Snake Year. The overall atmosphere in the world will become slightly more chaotic." Ain't that the truth. Chow also uses Chinese geomancy to analyze which parts of the world will have varying influence of luck for the year. "Because the fortune star will land in the east this year," she says, "travelers are encouraged to explore locations in that direction, whether within their city or abroad." Here are a few suggestions on where (and WHEN!) to travel based on your Chinese zodiac. You can also buy a commemorative Year of the Snake print here! Snake 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 Advertisement Happy new year Snakes, this is your year. One thing that needs to be said right off the bat: brace yourself for change. 2025 might not be EASY for you, but it will be a much needed (in the long run) transformation. In fact, 2025 is going to be life-changing. Keep a positive mindset through the various challenges that will be thrown your way, and trust they WILL be challenging, but you can and will weather the storm and might even grasp major goals that you have been working towards these last few years. You'll want to keep your cards (and your travels) close as your home, health, and career settle from the year's shaking. Your travel theme for 2025 will be rest and rejuvenation. 2025 will feel like a battlefield at points, so when you have a second to breathe, prioritize travel experiences that are on the more relaxing side, but still close(ish) to home. Opt for an all-inclusive resort on Mexico's east coast (the new Tulum airport just opened!) or the Caribbean to catch your breath and prioritize your mental health for your the new life chapter this year will bring. Best months for Snakes to travel: May, August, November Horse 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 Advertisement Horses, you're gonna have a fantastic year. 2025 will bring new blossoming relationships and strengthen existing ones, both romantic and platonic. Your career will also be in a good place this year, and your efforts will be recognized in a big way, setting your life up for big changes when the year of the Fire Horse rolls around in 2026. That said, you might find yourself staying up later than normal and pushing yourselves harder and longer to keep up with all of the exciting opportunities coming your way. Don't spread yourself too thin. Be mindful of both your time and energy so you don't burnout or get sick. This year is a great time to travel somewhere that might have be intimidating before. Destinations that may seem chaotic and overwhelming will be more manageable for you this year, especially if you travel as part of a group trip where you will shine amongst your new travel companions. Japan, Turkey, Ghana, and Taiwan might be calling to you - 2025 is the year to answer that call. Best months for Horses to travel: March, September, December Goat/Sheep 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 Advertisement You might have a few challenges sprinkled throughout the year, but for the most part Goats/Sheep will have a pretty stable 2025. Work might give you a heavy plate, but it won't be anything unmanageable, especially if you have a friendly Horse coworker helping you out. While you'll probably want to avoid rocking the boat this year, it is a fantastic opportunity for you to pursue new hobbies outside of work and travel. Use this year to focus on your investments, saving towards your emergency fund, and planting the seeds for future plans. But back to travel, y'all have earned a relaxing vacation. Whether you are craving a beachside resort or returning to a favorite destination, this year your travel should aim to bring you peace and comfort. You'll want to prioritize self-care in your travels, especially towards the latter half of the year. Keep destinations such as Mexico, the Maldives, Hawai'i, the Philippines, or one of the European islands in mind if you choose to go international this year. Best months for Goats/Sheep to travel: March, May, November Advertisement Monkey 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 While 2024 was a major hit or unfortunate miss for Monkeys, 2025 will be an upward trend for all born under this zodiac. That said, it won't be all stars and sunshine, but Snake years often challenges Monkeys to become the best versions of themselves, which in turn will result in great accomplishments. As long as you put in the work in your relationships, career, and personal pursuits, you will have a prosperous year. Maybe even the best of all the zodiacs. Don't tell the Horses though. Because this will be a (rewarding) grind year for Monkeys, it will be important for you to balance your work with equally important and deserved vacations. You'll often be taking meetings and planning your exciting opportunities and collaborations while traveling, so visiting exciting cities such as Mexico City, Tokyo, London, and Cape Town will give you a chance to enjoy new places , but still allow you to stay well-connected to your various projects. If you are able though, try to squeeze in at least one outdoor/nature inspired trip to fully allow you to unplug and relax. You'll need the energy! Advertisement Best months for Monkeys to travel: February, August, November Rooster 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 You had a rough year in 2024, and one of the hardest you've had to work in a while. Well finally, those seeds you planted will finally begin to sprout in 2025. Your career and relationships will begin to settle into a cohesive familiarity, creating a more harmonious day-to-day routine. You may even be presented with a new major relationship or career advancement, take it in grateful stride but don't go full-throttle just yet. Enjoy the calm bliss of the rewards, especially in the first half of the year. You earned it. On that note, treat yourselves during vacation this year. Don't blow all of your money, but opt to stay in a nicer hotel with more comfortable flights if your budget allows. Visit destinations that feed your interests, so that the good energy of a reimagined hobby can fill you. For outdoor enthusiasts, try hiking the pristine mountains of Pakistan or kayaking the clear waters of Croatia. Those who travel for deep cultural experiences can immerse themselves in cities across China and Colombia. Or if you just want a warm place to read on the beach, Caribbean resorts will have you covered. Advertisement Best months for Roosters to travel: February, April, September Dog 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 Good job making it out of 2024 alive. It was truly a Dog-Eat-Dog year, no pun intended. Thankfully, 2025 will start to turn things around for the better and you'll have the opportunity to breathe. You may still have some lingering stress in the beginning of the year, that will begin to ease up and you'll be able to more clearly focus on recovering, rebuilding, and restructuring from any previous life upsets. Most notably, 2025 will be a great year for relationship building, though be mindful of those who may try to take advantage of your new upward mobility. When it comes to travel, be open to what opportunities the world offers. Instead of focusing on a specific destination, keep an eye out for flight deals and opportunities to visit places that may conveniently present themselves. If you do plan ahead though, prioritize visiting friends and families you haven't seen in a while, especially if you haven't been to those destinations before - those will end up being your favorite travel experiences of the year. Advertisement Best months for Dogs to travel: March, November, December Boar/Pig 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 2025 is about to put Boars/Pigs through the RINGER. Similar to Snakes, this year will test your limits and force to you shed a lot of old comforts in pretty much all aspects of your life. The only thing you can expect this year is CHANGE. Before you start hyperventilating though, not all change is bad. Yes, it will be a challenging year that might change the trajectory of your future and daily of those changes will be for the best, even if it's uncomfortable getting there. For those reasons, this year it is more important than ever to carve out time for yourself. If you were a spontaneous traveler in the past, now is the time to try out planning your travels so that your plans are solidified. Life will be hectic this year, and it will be easy to get swept up in the chaos and forego prioritizing your mental well-being. To further aid in your relaxation, this would be a great year to join a group retreat to destinations such as Costa Rica, Bali (Indonesia), or Portugal which will both help take the planning stress off your shoulders as well as aid in much needed wellness guidance. Advertisement Best months for Boars/Pigs to travel: April, July, December Rat 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 If you're feeling apprehensive about 2025, there's a good reason. Rats will be straddling the luck fence during the Year of the Snake, so it will be important to listen to your intuition and play your cards on the safe side to come out of this year in the green. While your career and home life should remain relatively stable, you should take the opportunity to strengthen your close relationships. You'll need them for the onslaught that will be don't worry about that bridge until you get there. For now, research opportunities that arise from all angles, and sleep on any big life decisions or purchases. For Rats who haven't already gotten into the practice of buying travel insurance, now's the time to start. In terms of travel destinations, it'll be good to stick a little closer to home this year. Embrace the relaxing ease of a weekend trip to a nearby town or city you've never visited, or try out a domestic city you've always wanted to visit. If you want to slightly more international this year, great options are Canada, Puerto Rico, or a scenic cruise. Best months for Rats to travel: July, October, November Ox 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 If you are an Ox, you're gonna have a pretty solid 2025. Life might seem to run a little easier a little may make you suspicious, especially compared to your experience last year. However take the stability and ease in stride, your steady diligence toward your career and maintaining your relationships will set you up for a fruitful year. fruitful. Don't get too wrapped up in enjoying your good year that you overspend and empty out your finances. As long as you keep yourself to somewhat of a budget, you'll be in great shape. With that in mind, you can still enjoy fabulous vacations while being money conscious. For adventure seekers, countries like El Salvador or Namibia can keep you entertained on a lower budget, though you might want to use miles to cover the flight. Otherwise, there are plenty of budget-friendly cities in Europe that are easy to get to and affordable! Best months for Oxen to travel: January, July, November Tiger 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 Gonna give it to ya straight Tigers, 2025 is not going to be nice to you - particularly in the relationship department. You'll want to watch what you say around people you don't know too well, and watch how you say things to the folks you do. This year might be one filled with miscommunications and social mishaps, which may bleed into your career or home life if you aren't careful. 2025 might leave you feeling drained emotionally, so check in often with yourself if you feel overwhelmed at the obstacles that may come your way. On that note, it is a good year for Tigers to take that dream trip they've dreaming about. It's the perfect year for escapism for Tigers, using the opportunity to reflect on all that you have achieved thus far, and where you want direction you want to start planning for the future. You very well may decide to stay the course you've been living, but realizing that on a nice trip to Antarctica or on a Kenyan safari doesn't hurt! Best months for Tigers to travel: February, August, December Rabbit/Cat 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 Rabbits/Cats will have a pleasantly good year in 2025, especially coming off of the wreck that was 2024. You might notice yourself feeling happier with a bit of pep in your step this year, and overall feel at ease in life. You'll especially notice the difference when it comes to your relationships, in particular new platonic connections. Things will finally feel like they sense, so don't be surprised if 2025 brings about a new air of philosophical wanderings. Speaking of wandering, if you are able, this is the perfect year for Rabbits/Cats to have a sabbatical. Whether you take some time away from work, pursue a gap year, or use your retirement time to travel slowly, seeing multiple countries over a longer span of time will be extra enriching for you in 2025. For those on a budget, Southeast Asia might be better, or set out on a Eurotrip via train if you have a little extra wiggle room in your finances. Use the Year of the Snake to eat, pray, and most importantly, love. Best months for Rabbits/Cats to travel: March, June, September Dragon 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 It's not your year anymore Dragons, a way it's still your year because 2025 is going to be a good one for you. Dragons really put in the work last year, sometimes by force, but those milestones will really make headway towards the later half of 2025. You might have a few hiccups, particularly in your career and home life, but on the same leaf the Year of the Snake will also bring new opportunities that could allow you to grow and mature mentally and physically. Just be careful not to get bogged down in stress and be sure to take time for yourself. On that note, Dragons, reward yourself for all the perseverance you displayed in 2024 with a fun and exciting vacation, especially if it is one that involves new physical activities. Keep an eye on Spain, Ecuador, and Oman for a mix of stunning cities, breathtaking landscapes, and quaint strolls during dusk to close out a long day of exploring. Best months for Dragons to travel: July, August, October
Axios
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Lunar New Year: The significance of the Year of the Wood Snake
Asian communities across the globe observing Lunar New Year will be ringing in the Year of the Wood Snake in celebration of a festive period that is meant to unite families in the spirit of hope and optimism for the months ahead. The big picture: The holiday, which is celebrated over 15 days, marks the beginning of the new year that follows the lunisolar calendar. State of play: The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle that assigns an animal sign to each year. As the sixth animal in the zodiac, the snake represents the "midpoint, symbolizing balance — or the need for it —in one's life," according to Jonathan H.X. Lee, a professor of Asian and Asian American folklore, religions and culture at San Francisco State University. The snake can also represent the potential for self-cultivation and is often seen as mysterious and intelligent. This concept of self-improvement is deeply-rooted in the core values of Confuscianism, which is widely practiced in China. Wood in its natural state is life-generating, whether as part of trees in their natural cycles or as fire, Lee said. Yes, but: While the snake does hold these positive attributes, it also belongs to the yin, "associated with darkness and dampness," according to Xiaohuan Zhao, a professor of sinology at the University of Sydney. Because wood is associated with both trees and fire, the wood snake specifically possesses qualities that represent both of those characteristics such as growth and tolerance but also passion and brightness, Zhao said. Catch up quick: The snake in Chinese culture holds different meanings, stemming from various folk tales and mythologies. One notable story, where the snake is perceived as a symbol of love and transformation, comes from The Legend of the White Snake, where a white snake transforms into a beautiful woman and falls in love with a man. The intrigue: To maintain good fortune, it's not advised to clean, cut hair, wash clothing or perform chores on New Year's Day since it can bring bad luck. The bottom line: Transformation and love — or transforming through love — are the foundations of The Year of the Wood Snake, according to Lee. This symbol of love for Lunar New Year marks a hopeful time where "new understanding can emerge, fostering mutual love and, by extension, peace and prosperity," he added.
